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JPS recommends CTE program changes for 2025–26; requests barbering and cosmetology at Career Development Center
Summary
Dr. Cook recommended the board review proposed Career and Technical Education program changes for 2025–26 that would add computer‑science and engineering at Callaway and Murrah, barbering and cosmetology at the Career Development Center, and convert a fire‑science slot into a welding unit.
Dr. Cook presented recommended Career and Technical Education (CTE) program changes for fiscal year 2025–26 and asked the board to review the memorandum of understanding required by the Mississippi Department of Education. The administrative proposal would add new programming aligned to local labor‑market demand and reestablish barbering and cosmetology programs at the Career Development Center (CDC).
Key proposals cited by Dr. Cook include: adding computer‑science and engineering coursework at Callaway High School and Murrah High School (and a CDC‑based unit for Henley Young Patton scholars); adding barbering and cosmetology at the Career Development Center; and converting one existing fire‑science section into a welding unit. Dr. Cook said the district used a comprehensive local needs assessment, Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Mississippi Department of Economic Security figures and workforce partners including Accelerate Mississippi and CMPDD to shape the request.
Why it matters: the changes are intended to align district CTE offerings with regional workforce needs and to increase the percentage of JPS graduates who complete a CTE pathway. District leadership tied the proposal to its strategic plan goal (called “Strong Finish”) to raise CTE completer rates from 12.2% to 25% by 2029.
Budget, licensure and audit context
Administrators said the district currently expects to add only one additional staff member for the proposed program changes; most positions are filled by existing qualified district employees and the state reimburses salaries for those slots when programs are approved. Dr. Cook said the Mississippi Department of Education had previously withdrawn funding for barbering and cosmetology following an audit; the district was advised to reapply as new programs and has worked on facility renovations and licensure with the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Board questions and follow‑up
Board members asked whether the district has considered concentrating CTE offerings into fewer academy schools to realize economies of scale. Dr. Cook said staff continue to explore options across high‑school academies and to evaluate where to place additional programs and related work‑based learning opportunities. Dr. Cook also said final budget and grant information will be presented once the Mississippi Department of Education releases federal allocations in the summer.
No formal approval or roll call vote on the CTE program changes appears in the transcript. Dr. Cook presented the request and responded to trustee questions; trustees thanked staff for the briefing and asked for additional operational and budget details before any final vote.
Ending
Administrators will return with required budget documentation, licensing updates and any state approvals needed to finalize CTE program additions; a future board consideration for formal approval was indicated but not recorded in the transcript.
