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Bryan ISD details MC Harris CTE expansion to offer entrepreneurship and career‑prep pathways
Summary
Bryan ISD trustees heard a plan to expand MC Harris into a career‑and‑technical hub offering entrepreneurship for ninth graders, pathways into construction, welding, automotive and off‑campus industry placements, with transportation and Carl Perkins reimbursement discussed.
Bryan ISD presented plans to expand MC Harris into a more robust career and technical education (CTE) pathway at the district’s board meeting, emphasizing entrepreneurship courses for ninth graders and clearer pathways into CTEC programs.
Dr. Brian Merrill, who led the recognition of the district’s CTE accomplishments, told trustees the district ranked in the top 3% statewide for CTE after a third‑party review of indicators that included industry certifications, student outcomes and community partnerships. "We're in the top 3% of the entire state as it relates to CTE," he said.
CTE staff described a model in which all ninth‑grade students beginning entrepreneurship 1 at MC Harris would then progress into focused trade classes (construction, engineering, welding, automotive) and, for some programs, join instruction at the CTEC complex. Presenters said the model combines on‑campus, off‑campus and work‑based learning that can lead to industry certifications and career‑prep credit.
Laura King, a CTE leader, highlighted staffing and retention as a challenge. "We are battling industry that can pull these people away for a lot more money than what a teacher pay is," she said, adding that the district emphasizes professional development and community partnerships to retain instructors.
Board members questioned capacity, program monitoring and transportation. Presenters said many activities would be bused and noted that CTE mileage for transport is typically reimbursable through Carl Perkins funding. The presenters described MC Harris as a flexible site where students can earn credits through Edgenuity and combine hands‑on CTE work with accelerated credit recovery to graduate on schedule.
Trustees also asked how workplace quality and credit would be verified for career‑prep placements. The board was told career‑prep teachers conduct required work‑site visits and maintain documentation; those records are auditable by the Texas Education Agency.
District staff framed MC Harris as both a school of choice for ninth and tenth graders interested in career pathways and a support option for credit‑deficient students. They said the pilot programs showed early success and that staffing needs would be evaluated as enrollment grows.
The presentation did not include a board vote; trustees asked staff to continue planning and to return with details on implementation, staffing and capacity limits.
