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Danville board hears enrollment, course and partnership update for Innovate and Motivate STEM academies
Summary
A district presenter updated the school board on Innovate Middle School and Motivate High School STEM pathways, reporting program enrollments, course offerings and recruitment efforts and answering capacity questions from board members.
A district presenter updated the Danville Public Schools Board Thursday on progress in the district's Innovate Middle School and Motivate High School STEM academies, listing enrollment and course details and outlining plans to expand recruitment and industry partnerships.
The presenter said 177 students are enrolled in Innovate middle school courses this year and outlined eight career pathways across the district, including advanced technology, environmental science and aviation science. At the high school level, the Motivate program includes applied engineering and mechatronics (46 students), environmental sciences (15 students) and aviation sciences (11 students). The presenter said the aviation program uses flight simulation equipment and drone-related modules to introduce students to aerospace and logistics careers.
Board member Miss Walker asked whether there is a maximum number of students for Innovate and Motivate courses. The presenter said some CTE courses are capped when they involve OSHA-regulated equipment, but most courses are limited instead by the availability of equipment; she said the district generally plans for 20–25 students per hands-on course to avoid overcrowding and ensure meaningful participation.
Supporters on the board linked the CTE work to regional workforce development. One board member said the district's career and technical education offerings have helped secure business interest in Danville and asked for video materials to support external marketing. The presenter described recruitment steps including a choice-program guide, fifth- and eighth-grade tours in December, and a January open event at George Washington High School to showcase CTE facilities.
The board did not take action on the presentation. Questions and requests raised during the discussion focused on program capacity, safety/certification limits for specific courses and outreach to increase student participation.
