Local employer and district officials urge continued support for CTE amid planned capital investments
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Summary
A local business owner and district representatives described Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as essential to career readiness and local workforce needs; the district said it has largely protected CTE funding but warned levy losses could affect low‑enrollment course offerings and new construction-based CTE facilities.
Local business and CTE leaders spoke to the board about the role of career and technical education in preparing students for the workforce and how levy funding relates to sustaining course offerings.
Derek Hugel, owner of Wolf Industries, praised district investment in CTE and urged the board to protect those programs. He highlighted community and employer demand for skilled trades and said Clark County is a regional center for trade apprenticeships and employment.
District staff told the board that CTE has been largely protected from levy reductions to date, but that some levy flexibility has been used for security and other operating needs. Staff said the district is planning a new construction trades facility financed through the capital levy passed earlier this year and that if levy revenues are further reduced the district may not be able to run low-enrollment CTE classes at the currently low staffing/enrollment thresholds (examples given: welding and automotive classes sometimes run with 13–18 students).
The board and presenters discussed grassroots fundraising and community support for CTE facilities. No formal action was taken; district leaders said they will include CTE budget considerations in Nov. 10 levy planning.