Lake County Schools recognizes CTE Month, highlights partnerships and student opportunities

The Lake County School Board recognized Career and Technical Education Month and honored members of the district's CTE District Advisory Council on Feb. 10.

Marta Ramirez, a CTE District Advisory Council member, told the board, "Lake County Schools is proud to join institutions nationwide celebrating Career and Technical Education Month this February." Ramirez described the advisory board as drawing representatives from "local government, post secondary education institutions, businesses, industry organizations, non profit organizations, workforce organizations and various departments within Lake County Schools including ESE, federal programs and student services." She said the board helps align curriculum with local workforce needs and create work-based learning opportunities.

Superintendent Carnegie said district staff had been invited to speak the following day before the Florida House housing and workforce subcommittee to highlight the district's CTE work, specifically its Lincoln Park project and articulation agreements that let students earn college credit through partnerships with Lake Technical College and Lake-Sumter State College. "They are particularly interested in our work with Lincoln Park," Carnegie said, and he noted the district's collaboration with Lake Tech to operate a Transportation Hub in Tavares where about "35, 40 students" work on vehicles during the day.

Board members praised the district's CTE programs and advisory council for building industry ties and expanding hands-on career opportunities. The recognition event included a public acknowledgment of advisory council members and an invitation for them to come forward for recognition.

The board did not take formal votes on policy changes for CTE at the meeting; instead, staff said they would continue to develop and present program details and seek opportunities to showcase district partnerships to state lawmakers.