Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Career And Technical Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lapeer High principal outlines leadership and career-technical programs, students describe conference lessons
Summary
Principal Jason Larson and Lapeer High students and instructors told the board about leadership development, career and technical education partnerships, industry certifications, and plans for youth STEM camps and a trade-show exhibit.
Dr. Jason Larson, principal of Lapeer High School, told the Lapeer Community Schools board that the high school is emphasizing “leadership development for all students” alongside academic and technical pathways and described new partnerships that allow students to earn math and science credit tied to technical program work.
Larson said the school pursues “high rigor, relevance, and relationship” and emphasized programs that combine academic credit with career preparation, including partnerships with county career-technical education providers and local trades. He credited staff and community partners for helping students find apprenticeships and industry certificates.
Two students who attended the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) leadership summit described sessions on mental toughness and leadership skills. One student said the summit taught her to focus on controllable factors in her mindset: “If you're not gonna follow yourself, why would anybody else follow you?” the student said.
Deontay Grimes, the high school’s career-technical education instructor, told the board the program has students currently testing to become a millwright and a carpenter and that six students are working in industry placements. Grimes said students lead procurement exercises, create equipment layouts, prepare quotes and draft resumes as part of applied project work.
Grimes said the program is planning outreach through STEM camps at elementary schools, and he described efforts to display student work at the international manufacturing trade show (IMTS) in May. He also said a small group of student entrepreneurs are developing a business combining robotics and baked goods and are researching zoning, leasing and funding options.
Parents and board members praised instructors and students for building skills that can lead directly to jobs or postsecondary study. One parent said her son, a participant in the pilot program, is now employed at an automotive supplier; another board member noted that esports and other activities bring students into school and create mentor relationships.
Larson said next steps include successfully transitioning incoming ninth graders as the district reorganizes grades for 2025–26, expanding career pathways and continuing to align grading and scheduling practices districtwide to create consistent expectations for students and families.
