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Board approves FY24 CareerTech budget, directing funds to program expansion and teacher pay
Summary
The State Board approved a FY24 CareerTech budget that agencies said includes a $22.6 million increase (16.4%), funding 173 new programs, salary increases for certified staff, equipment grants for new programs, and ARPA-funded workforce projects for nursing, truck-driver and broadband training.
The State Board of Career and Technology Education voted to approve the agency’s fiscal‑year 2024 budget after a detailed presentation from Miss Batchelder.
Miss Batchelder told the board the agency’s general appropriation increased by $22,600,000 (a 16.4% increase over the prior year) and explained how that increase was budgeted. Key allocations she listed included $1,400,000 for a technology center flexible benefit allowance; $9,900,000 designated for certified teacher salary increases; $4,750,000 to fund 173 new PK‑12 programs (including one‑time equipment grants); $1,200,000 to expand the statewide commercial driver’s license (CDL) training at Central Technology Center; $3,500,000 added to the technology center operational funding formula to address program capacity; and $1,669,000 for agency operations and additional program‑specialist support.
Miss Batchelder also summarized federal and revolving funding: the Carl Perkins allocation increased by about $644,000; Adult Education and Family Literacy funding rose by approximately $635,000; and ARPA funds were budgeted across three initiatives (nursing, truck‑driver training and broadband training) totaling roughly $14.11 million. She told the board that ARPA subawards have project templates approved and must be expended by December 31, 2026, with final claim deadlines set by the agency.
Superintendent Walters and other board members praised the presentation and the budget’s attention to program growth and staff support. Walters emphasized the need for additional program specialists to support hundreds of new programs and cited teacher recruitment and professional development as priorities.
A motion to approve the FY24 budget was moved and seconded; the board approved the budget by roll call with all members present voting yes. The budget documents provided to the board will guide allocations across technology centers, K‑12 programs, federal pass‑throughs and agency operations in FY24.
What happens next: the agency will implement allocations, distribute pass‑through funds (Perkins, Adult Ed), issue ARPA subaward payments per approved templates, and return to the board if adjustments or follow‑up reporting is required.
