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Board funds Paxton Patterson exploratory modules for two middle schools to expand CTE exposure
Summary
The board approved purchases of exploratory, hands-on career modules for Foley and B. Michael Caudill middle schools and discussed plans to expand the pilot to all district middle schools.
MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Board approved two Paxton Patterson purchases totaling $222,282 to pilot exploratory, hands-on career and technical education modules in middle schools.
The purchases approved were $110,674 for Foley Middle School and $111,608 for B. Michael Caudill Middle School. Superintendent Mr. Neely and Chief Academic Officer James Ray described the equipment as a set of modular, hands-on “exploratory modules” that let sixth- through eighth-grade students try short career-related units (examples cited by staff included welding, basic electrical work and simulated health-care tasks).
Ray said each module is expected to run about 10 days in rotation as part of a related-arts schedule and that schools may staff the pilot with a teacher and an aide because class sizes could be larger than a typical classroom. The program is intended to connect students to the district’s Ignite North and Ignite South career-technical programs and to give earlier exposure to vocational and technical pathways.
Why it matters: District leaders said the modules give students practical exposure to careers they otherwise might not see until high school. Board members highlighted that early exposure can help students choose appropriate high-school pathways and avoid spending semesters in classes they later decide not to pursue.
Ending: The board approved the purchases and district staff said they aim to expand the program to all five middle schools over time; staff will return with implementation and family-engagement plans.
