Board agrees to explore CTE pathways and a district third-grade field trip; no immediate budget vote
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Summary
Administration outlined work-based learning participation and contrasted it with state-approved CTE pathways; trustees asked staff to explore costs for CTE development and a proposed district third-grade trip (estimated $10k—k), with agreement to continue discussion rather than approve immediate budget allocations.
The board continued a discussion of work-based learning and possible Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and considered a proposal for a district-wide grade-level field trip. The assistant superintendent for curriculum explained that the district currently offers work-based learning (WBL) opportunities (three-course core, partnerships with about 26 agencies) with current enrollment of 13 students and a three-year average of about 15.
She distinguished WBL from a state-approved CTE pathway, noting CTE programs require state approval, certified personnel, equipment and dedicated space. "When you're looking to add an additional CTE person to run a course, that's something different. That would include a salary and benefits," she said, cautioning that expansion could carry staffing and equipment costs.
On the field-trip proposal, administration provided an example: Museum Village estimates of roughly $13 per student (non-Title I) or $10 per student (Title I) plus transportation estimated at about $6,888 for the district's third graders; administration recommended budgeting $10,000 to $15,000 as a minimal planning figure for a grade-level trip. Board members expressed interest in higher-cost venues such as the Liberty Science Center and agreed to explore budget implications further rather than commit funds this year.
Why it matters: expanding CTE could offer longer-term career pathways for students but requires state approvals, staffing and equipment; a funded grade-level field trip would provide shared curriculum experiences across elementary schools but carries transportation and vendor costs that must be budgeted.
Next steps: the board asked administration to continue exploring CTE pathway requirements and costs, consider whether to set aside funds in a future budget cycle for pathway development, and refine cost estimates for a district third-grade field trip.