Board approves CTE advisory committee after advocate urges special education representation

The Fillmore Unified governing board approved the district’s Career Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee, a committee the district is forming to meet Perkins grant guidance and to align career programs with industry and postsecondary partners.

Jasmine Duron, speaking for the Autism Society of Ventura County’s advocacy committee, asked the board to include a special education teacher and representation from the Department of Rehabilitation on the committee, saying students with disabilities face barriers to accessing CTE programs and that inclusion would advance equity and opportunity.

Dr. Isaac Huang, assistant superintendent of educational services, told trustees the committee is open to the public and that director Bridal Tafoya, the district’s director of special education, has been invited to attend committee meetings. The board approved the CTE advisory committee slate; the record shows one trustee abstained from that vote.

Dr. Huang said the committee’s purpose is to align CTE pathways with local industry and postsecondary institutions and to maintain relationships with community partners. The district confirmed agendas for committee meetings will be posted publicly and students are listed as representatives on the committee roster.