Commissioners back RAS 32 regional CTE program with $240,000 request

Representatives of RAS 32 — a cooperative career and technical education effort among local school corporations — delivered a wide-ranging update and asked the county to fund operating costs for years three and four of the program.

Presenters including Neil Adams, Roland Abraham and Joanne, RAS 32’s coordinator, summarized first-year outcomes (about 74–81 total students enrolled with strong program completion rates; 82% reported to have earned post‑secondary credentials in pathway programs) and the expansion to additional participating schools. RAS 32 described program pathways such as early childhood education, precision agriculture (drone/pilot certification), welding, precision machining, medical assisting and marketing/media. The presentation emphasized workforce ties with regional employers (including Reed Health), apprenticeships, Ivy Tech dual‑credit opportunities and alignment with upcoming Indiana diploma seals that require a credential of value plus work‑based learning.

RAS 32 requested $240,000 total for the next two‑year cycle (stated as $120,000 per year). Presenters outlined a cost‑sharing mechanism: $2,500 for sending a shared student to a host site, $800 of which would go to RAS 32 with host schools retaining $1,700. Commissioners discussed timing of county funding and statutory limits on the county’s energy fund as a future revenue source; they moved and seconded the funding motion and approved it by voice vote. Commissioners noted the county could commit to the two‑year funding given current rules through 2027 but said sustained funding past that may require a different mechanism if state law changes.

Commissioners asked for logistics and budget timing; presenters said the RAS 32 site (ras32.com) includes program details and that the group had received selection into the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network with a $100,000 two‑year grant (reported as $50,000 per year) to support participation in national learning events. The board approved the motion to provide $120,000 in 2026 and $120,000 in 2027 and asked staff to follow up on budget details and reporting.

Ending: The county approved the two‑year funding commitment. RAS 32 leaders asked the commission to consider continued support and to note that the program’s sustainability plan combines shared fees, partner contributions and grant support.