Gilbert Public Schools CTE (career and technical education) leaders told the governing board the district has increased industry certifications and expanded programs to connect students with local labor-market needs.

Doug Daley, director of CTE, described the district's four-part model of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, work-based learning and leadership development that underpins 21 district programs composed of 108 courses. "We're helping students to become college as well as career ready," Daley said.

Dr. Michelle Creery, coordinator of analytics, provided district outcomes: students who complete a two- or three-year CTE program graduate at a 96% rate; roughly 78% of CTE concentrators go on to work, military service or postsecondary education; about 79% of program completers earn an industry credential; and roughly 52% of the student body is currently enrolled in at least one CTE course. Creery said the district has increased industry certifications by about 2,700% over seven years and reported a 56% increase in completers attempting the Arizona Technical Skills Assessment (TSA) and a 55% increase in TSA passes after streamlining data processes and developing course scope-and-sequences.

Renita Miller, coordinator of program development, said district planning uses a 10-year career-cluster forecast for Gilbert and the East Valley to match programs to local demand. "We are really preparing students for H-3 jobs — high-wage, high-skill, high-demand jobs —" she said, listing growth in health care, construction, STEM/advanced manufacturing and agribusiness-related roles in the East Valley.

Board members asked how the district publicizes program pathways to families and how schools without a given program can provide access. Staff said marketing and communications, course guides, career centers, preview nights and outreach to junior-high counselors are used; some programs are hosted at single high schools and students may open-enroll or work scheduling to attend those programs. District staff also described advisory councils made up of local employers, postsecondary partners and alumni that advise program curricula and donate equipment or work-based experiences.

No board action was required; staff said they will continue outreach and provide additional participation breakdowns to the board on request.