La Center superintendent highlights CTE growth, AP expansion and graduation outcomes

Superintendent Peter Rosenkrantz presented a condensed "state of the district" report to the council on Oct. 23, highlighting expansion of career and technical education, increased AP participation and graduation outcomes for the Class of 2024.

Rosenkrantz emphasized the district—s focus on career readiness, noting local industry connections that bring apprenticeship and trade opportunities into the high school. He described new CTE coursework including culinary/baking classes, American Sign Language and 3D printing, and said the district has significantly increased Advanced Placement opportunities: AP exams taken rose from about 30 previously to 234 last year.

He also outlined district efforts to support kindergarten readiness through partnerships with preschools and family workshops (reading and numeracy sessions), and recounted the district—s decision earlier in the year not to run transitional kindergarten because state funding appeared unreliable at the time. Rosenkrantz said the district continues outreach to families and partners to provide readiness programming.

On graduation, Rosenkrantz said La Center had 100 students in the Class of 2024, with 92 counted as graduates on the slide; 81 students responded to a follow-up survey showing roughly 50% planned to attend college, with others entering work, vocational programs or the military. He said the district will continue targeted programming and supports for students who have not yet completed diplomas or GED options.