Crowley ISD spotlights Bill R. Johnson CTE programs: pharmacy certifications, FAA‑certified aviation and strong CTSO results
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Summary
At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Crowley ISD board heard a detailed presentation on Bill R. Johnson Career & Technical Education programs, highlighting a 100% pharmacy certification pass rate (2023–24), an FAA‑certified aviation maintenance program and multiple state CTSO qualifiers; students and industry partners described direct pathways to work and college.
The Crowley ISD Board of Trustees on Feb. 26 received a comprehensive presentation from the Bill R. Johnson Career & Technical Education (BRJ CTE) Center that outlined course sequences, industry partnerships and student outcomes across pharmacy, health sciences, aviation maintenance and related programs.
"When they complete this program, they will have 24 dual credit hours through Lamar State College, Port Arthur," said Cheryl Newsome, head of the BRJ health science department, describing the pharmacy dual‑credit sequence and noting a reported "100 percent passing rate" for the 2023–24 cohorts on national pharmacy technician certification. Newsome listed rotation partners that include Walgreens, CVS and Better Health Pharmacy and said the program aims to expand hospital apprenticeship opportunities with Texas Health Resources.
The aviation maintenance program — presented by Miller Sketlin — drew particular attention. "BRJ CTE is the only high school FAA certified in the state of Texas," Sketlin said, adding the program is "one of four in the United States." She described partnerships with Spinks Airport and local maintenance shops (Cam Avionics, North Texas Avionics), a mock‑interview program and summer employment offers; she said seniors will continue toward FAA licensing through Tarrant County College.
Students who participated in the presentation offered firsthand perspectives. "Before I seen this aviation program, I was just going through high school," said senior Zachary Pontos, who described how the program gave him a clearer career vision and connections with employers. Another student, Shalom Kamara, was introduced as a multi‑program competitor who advanced in HOSA/SkillsUSA events.
Presenters outlined measurable outcomes and credentialing for other BRJ programs: the pharmacy dual‑credit stack (eight courses), a nationally registered certified medical assistant program with a reported ~98% pass rate and work‑based learning placements in local clinics and long‑term‑care facilities. CTE leadership emphasized that course sequences combine classroom instruction, dual credit and externships to prepare graduates for immediate employment or continued college training.
Board members praised the programs’ outreach and results. Trustee Woodson Mayfield said the CTE work ‘‘inspired’’ parents and students at recruitment nights; Trustee Stevenson encouraged showcasing CTE work for state lawmakers. Superintendent Michael McFarlane and Principal Omarion Brown thanked instructors and invited trustees and families to visit campus programs.
The presentation closed with trustees noting the programs align with district CCMR (college, career, military readiness) goals and with several board members urging further promotion of student success stories.
Board action: the presentation was for information; no vote was required. The board proceeded to other agenda items following the BRJ CTE highlights.