Board hears update on Aviation Sciences CTE pathway; district cites industry partners and early enrollment

Doctor Stone presented the Aviation Sciences Academy to the board, outlining two main pathways — aviation aircraft piloting and aviation maintenance — that are available through the district’s middle‑ and high‑school CTE offerings.

He said middle school courses introduce aviation careers and Smart Skies modules while high school courses include aerospace technology, air pilot training and unmanned aircraft. Enrollment cited during the presentation was 27 students in the middle school pathway and 11 in the high school pathway this school year.

Doctor Stone described partnerships with Danville Community College, Averitt and the Danville Regional Airport to provide technical coursework and a pathway for maintenance training that the district does not yet offer on campus. He said the program aims to offer hands‑on learning, industry certifications and college credit to prepare students for postsecondary education and local workforce opportunities.

Board members asked about prerequisites and enrollment. Doctor Stone said there are no prohibitive prerequisites and that students enroll through the district’s choice process; course sequencing requires completion of foundational courses before advanced classes. A short student video and student remarks highlighted simulator experiences and career inspiration.

No formal action was taken; staff said they will report back as the program grows and as partnerships and course sequencing are refined.