Christian Nesri, the Iroquois High School principal, briefed the board on career and technical education (CTE) opportunities available to juniors and seniors through regional BOCES centers.

Nesri said the district’s central location in Western New York allows students to attend programs at multiple regional centers (Erie 1 and Erie 2), offering specialized courses—diesel technology, welding, aviation, health-related New Visions programs and others—that would be difficult or costly to sustain locally with low student counts. He said those regional programs can provide industry certifications and college credit, and that the district frequently coordinates with multiple centers to place students when one center’s program fills.

Nesri and staff provided current participation numbers: about 48 of 158 seniors (roughly 30%) and 68 of 170 juniors (about 40%) participate in CTE programs; about 72 of 144 sophomores (50%) visited a BOCES center as part of outreach. He highlighted examples of students in aviation and health-related New Visions placements and said the district encourages continued board support for off-site placements and transportation.

Board members asked about parent outreach and how the district promotes BOCES options; Nesri said the district promotes open houses and field trips and will continue event promotion to families. Nesri also said that New Visions offerings are limited to seniors and that juniors/seniors access most CTE pathways.

Why it matters: Access to regional CTE programs provides work-ready skills, certifications and college credit for students who might otherwise lack access to specialized instructors and equipment.

Next steps: The district will continue outreach and promotion of open houses and collaborate with BOCES to maintain and expand student access.