Kennewick School District honors 135 National Board Certified teachers and marks Career and Technical Education Month

The Kennewick School District Board of Directors recognized 135 National Board Certified Teachers and highlighted district career and technical education programs during its February meeting.

The recognition noted three new National Board Certified Teachers who joined Kennewick School District this year: Jessica Bridal (focus: counseling), Amy Payson and Christy Young, who previously held certification before joining the district. The board received an updated poster listing all NBCTs in the district.

The board also marked Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, with staff emphasizing CTE’s role connecting hands-on, skills-based learning to postsecondary options. “CTE is really for all students,” a district presenter said, noting that CTE offers pathways for students entering the workforce, earning industry certifications, or taking dual-credit courses that count toward college. Kennewick’s CTE offerings include programs at all high schools, middle-school options and programs at the Tri Tech skill center.

Kennewick High School programs received special recognition: the Air Force JROTC unit earned an overall “Exceeds Standards” rating in a recent external assessment, which the regional reviewer described as the highest score he has given. The praise specifically named Lieutenant Colonel Kurt Witchers and Chief Master Sergeant Luke Thompson for their leadership of the cadet corps. Kennewick High School’s DECA chapter and its student enterprise also earned DECA’s school-based enterprise gold certification for the 2024–25 school year; the board credited DECA advisor Niddie Kalra in remarks.

The superintendent’s office read a presidential proclamation designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month. The proclamation text, read aloud to the board, framed CTE as central to workforce development and student opportunity.

Board members and staff thanked CTE and NBCT teachers for their work. Abby Mattson, director of career and college readiness, and assistant director Amy Francis were singled out for coordinating district CTE efforts and for preparing materials distributed to the board.

District materials distributed at the meeting listed the number of CTE program areas, course options, dual-credit opportunities and industry certifications available to Kennewick students. District presenters provided counts used in remarks: more than 80 course options (middle and high school), over 5,000 high-school course enrollments districtwide, and 50 industry-recognized certifications.

The recognition and CTE highlights closed with applause from the board and public attendees.