Coventry School Committee members toured the Regional Career and Technical Center and heard a data presentation showing that career and technical education (CTE) is a central part of student programming, with high rates of certifications, college credit and direct workforce placement.

CTE director Tim Chase told the committee that roughly 70% of Coventry High School students are enrolled in at least one CTE pathway and that 80% of this year’s freshmen are participating. "These students are earning certifications. These kids are earning licenses," Chase said, adding that many programs offer college credit, internships and nationally recognized industry credentials.

The presentation broke outcomes down by program. Cited results from last year’s senior follow‑up included: about 81% of welding graduates going straight into the workforce, 100% of cosmetology graduates receiving licenses, 86% of biomedical students pursuing postsecondary education, 91% of criminal‑justice students entering work, the military or college, and 93% of health careers graduates continuing education. Chase said some program placements were immediate: several health graduates were employed as certified nursing assistants upon graduation.

Committee members who joined the tour praised the programs and urged broader publicity. "There is no way that this can be kept a secret. It's unbelievable," said School Committee member John Cambio. Amanda Carlo, a committee member, said students presenting at the open house "were so well versed" and urged more open houses and public outreach. Chase said the school will issue a press release to publicize recent external certifications, including a recent American Culinary Federation review that rated the culinary program exemplary.

Chase and committee members named local and regional partners and pathways that support placement and internships, including Electric Boat, Johnson & Wales University credits in culinary, URI concurrent enrollment opportunities in computer and health pathways, and an ongoing relationship with the American Culinary Federation. Committee members and staff also discussed proposed program expansions: a renewable energy/renewables pathway tied to partners at the Wind project in North Kingstown and URI, plans to rebuild a district radio broadcasting pathway, and adding barbering alongside cosmetology.

Chase emphasized the scale of participation and the programs’ role in student pathways: "CTE here is not a program, it's who we are. This is at the core of who Coventry is and who Coventry High School is." He asked for continued committee support to sustain and expand course offerings and industry partnerships.

The committee did not take formal action on program expansions at the meeting; members asked staff to continue planning and return with implementation details and funding implications.