Buena High CTE coordinator outlines program growth; district pledges competition fees and key travel support

Jennifer Caputo, the Career and Technical Education coordinator for Buena High School, told the Sierra Vista Unified District board that the school’s CTE programs have expanded staffing and supports and that the district will pick up major competition costs. “I am the CTE coordinator for Buena High School’s, CTE programs,” Caputo said during the board meeting.

Caputo reviewed current program offerings and recent changes: the return of a sports medicine instructor; continuation of software and app design; partnerships that place welding and HVAC students at Cochise College; and restored CTE staff positions including a counselor, a data specialist and a CTE paraeducator. She said programs have increased student leadership and competition participation through CTSOs such as DECA, HOSA and SkillsUSA.

Caputo described steps taken to remove financial barriers for students competing beyond the school: “So we now, have committed to paying for all registration for red regional, state, and national competitions,” she said. The presentation added that the district will cover transportation costs and hotel accommodations up to eight rooms for state competitions and all rooms for national competitions, and that those changes have already helped increase participation.

She also described outreach and recruitment efforts: a CTE roadshow to feeder schools, a planned CTE showcase and a wrapped CTE bus for community visibility. Caputo highlighted student achievements at recent events — band and choir regional performances, athletic postseason advancement, and students’ participation in a County Superintendent Student Advisory Council meeting with Governor Katie Hobbs — and noted Wichita Mountain’s recognition by the Arizona Education Foundation as an A+ School of Excellence.

Board members emphasized local workforce alignment and skills training. One trustee urged the district to explore artificial intelligence training and CTE pathways so students can be prepared for local industry needs.

The presentation concluded with upcoming CTE milestones — state competitions, technical skills assessments in April, and a final advisory meeting May 6 — and Caputo invited trustees to attend advisory events and community showcases. The board offered thanks after the presentation; no formal action was required on the report.