Brush High outlines new career pathways, micro‑credentials and student‑led initiatives

Brush High School leaders told the South Euclid‑Lyndhurst Board of Education on Sept. 16 that the school is expanding career pathways, restoring previously offered courses and launching micro‑credentials and student‑led initiatives to boost college, career and workforce readiness.

Principal Miss Harris described a mix of restored and new courses — including a revived introduction to broadcasting course and a coaches‑handbook program that trains students to become licensed officials — and said the school is adding a second section of the most‑applied‑for exercise science pathway after receiving roughly 125 applicants for only a few seats.

The school is pursuing an “earn while you learn” initiative that gives students credit for paid work experience, and it is developing micro‑internships and micro‑credentials (for example, social‑media credentials) that students can carry to postsecondary institutions or employers. Harris said the district has discussed local partnerships — including with Giant Eagle on a cake‑decorating credential and with Cuyahoga Community College on machinist training — and is seeking additional business partners to expand hands‑on pathways for students who do not attend regional technical programs such as Excel Tech.

Harris said the school will open two new Excel Tech pathways, including a pre‑nursing program inherited by the district, and emphasized the district wants to “scale pathways” so more qualifying students can access career training without leaving the district. She also described school culture initiatives: a house system to foster belonging, expanded student leadership, a student‑run ARC retail store tied to an entrepreneurship course offering college credit, and a no‑cell‑phone policy at lunch the principal said has improved classroom engagement.

Attendance and student engagement were highlighted: Harris reported approximately a 94% attendance rate for the high school and said the administration is prioritizing MTSS (multi‑tiered systems of supports) that integrate instruction, behavior and culture. The building leadership team — assistant principals introduced at the meeting — will be part of the rollout for the new pathways and credential programs.

Board members praised the direction and noted the district is still developing details about capacity, seat counts and employer partners. Staff said further curriculum and pathway highlights will be presented at the October board meeting by the curriculum, instruction and assessment (CNI) team and building principals.

No formal board votes were required for the program presentations that evening.