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CTE director reports higher concentrator rates and graduation outcomes; seeks continued funding for credentialing
Summary
CTE supervisor Leslie Eldridge told the board the district increased career and technical education concentrator and readiness metrics, highlighted dual-enrollment and credentialing growth, and requested continued funding for credential exams and Perkins-supported programs.
Leslie Eldridge, supervisor of Career and Technical Education (CTE), reported to the board Jan. 25 that CTE participation, industry credential attainment and college- and career-readiness metrics have improved across Cumberland County Schools.
Eldridge said the district now offers a comprehensive set of career-cluster programs K-12 and has career coaches at all elementary schools. She reported an increase in the district—s "district-ready graduate" measure and said the district—s rate of CTE concentrators rose to about 77 percent, compared with a state average near 60 percent.
Eldridge outlined dual-enrollment partnerships and employer-recognized credentials supported with Perkins reserve funds and said many credentialing costs are covered by a competitive Perkins grant the district has received two years in a row. She said these funds pay industry exam fees, helping students graduate with job-ready credentials at no cost to families.
She also described the CTE support structures for teachers and counselors, including a web-based CTE hub with resources, a responsibility chart tying central-office liaisons to school needs and a monthly timeline for required accountability indicators under Perkins.
Eldridge asked the board to support continued investment in credentialing and staffing to sustain program growth, noting that retaining CTE instructors can be difficult when private-sector pay is higher for skilled trades.
