Estacada leaders outline multi‑year CTE revamp, seek curriculum funding and industry partnerships

Estacada School District staff and the superintendent presented a multi‑year plan on March 12 to expand and modernize the district’s career and technical education programs, including a new electrical systems pathway and a strengthened diesel/transportation track, and said they will pursue state program approval and industry partnerships.

The plan matters because the district intends the CTE changes to create direct pathways to apprenticeships, college credit and local jobs, district staff said.

Aaron Gardenhire, who led the presentation, described a four‑level program sequence across four program areas — transportation/diesel, manufacturing, agriculture and electrical systems — designed to move students from introductory coursework to industry experience and pre‑apprenticeship opportunities. Gardenhire said the district is preparing an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) program approval packet for the new electrical program before June and is working with partners including Clackamas Community College, PGE and…