Danville Public Schools reports growth in Innovate and Motivate STEM pathways
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Summary
District leaders told the school board Nov. 13 that Innovate Academy (middle school) and the Motivate CTE program at George Washington High are enrolling students across eight career pathways; the district reported 177 middle‑school students in Innovate and said practical course caps are based on equipment and lab size.
Dr. Stone, who presented the CTE update to the Danville Public Schools Board on Nov. 13, said the district’s Innovate middle‑school academy and Motivate high‑school Career and Technical Education pathways are expanding opportunities for hands‑on STEM learning.
"A total of 177 students are enrolled in the Innovate middle school program for the first and second semester," Dr. Stone said, listing four Innovate courses (engineering exploration, GoTech cybersecurity, aerospace sciences and engineering exploration) and eight broader career pathways that include advanced technology, environmental science and aviation science. The presenter said Motivate Academy at George Washington High offers mechatronics, applied engineering design, environmental sciences and aviation sciences, with 46, 15 and 11 students reported in those respective programs.
Board members asked about limits on enrollment. Miss Walker asked whether the programs have a maximum number of students. Dr. Stone said OSHA‑regulated courses are capped by safety rules, but most CTE courses are limited by available equipment and lab space. "Generally, we provide a maximum of 20, 25 students, so it’s based on the available equipment," the presenter said, adding that overcrowding would prevent hands‑on access to devices such as lasers and 3‑D printers.
Trustees and a workforce representative said the district’s CTE offerings are helping attract business partnerships. Miss McCall, speaking from the workforce side, said the district’s CTE efforts "helped us secure some businesses" and requested program video for marketing. Dr. Stone said the expansion aligns with the district’s strategic goal of increasing college and career readiness and cited events to recruit students, including school tours, a choice‑program guide and a Galileo showcase.
The board did not take formal action on the item. Staff said they will continue outreach and report program metrics as part of regular updates.
The board’s next regular meeting is set for Dec. 11, 2025; staff said additional program and certification reports are expected in coming months.