Livonia board honors administrators and spotlights Career Technical Education month; students describe job-ready training

The Livonia Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 23 adopted a resolution recognizing Educational Administrators Week and used its meeting to highlight Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and student success at the Livonia Career Technical Center (LCTC).

Trustee Liz Jarvis moved the Educational Administrators Week resolution, which the board approved by roll call. The resolution recognizes principals, assistant principals, academic and student-services coordinators and athletic directors for their leadership in the district.

"Each of these lead leaders are essential to the success of our students, staff, and our district as a whole," said Mrs. Jenkins, who introduced the administrator recognition and played a tribute video. Jeff Burnside, an assistant principal at Churchill High School and co-president of LEADS, thanked the board on behalf of administrators.

School leaders and students then presented highlights from the LCTC’s programs. Construction trades instructor Tim Martin described the program’s two-year sequence, OSHA certifications and a builder-license pathway for seniors. "We do the 60 hour builder's license certification, so they can sit for their builder's exam by the time they either turn 18 or graduate," Martin said.

Students gave concrete examples of how CTE credentials translate to work and college opportunities. AJ Braden, a construction-trades student, said, "LCTC is just awesome. It's when I wake up in the morning, I'm just excited to go," and credited instructors with hands-on preparation. Trinity Sturm, who spoke about the advanced medicine pre‑medicine pathway, said the program led to an internship and a post‑graduation job opportunity: "This program is really the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Gary Mann, who teaches criminal justice, described program expansion to roughly 150 students and listed certifications such as FAA drone licensure and national law-enforcement modules. Student Drew Allen, a senior, said the program helped him earn FAA credentials and positioned him for immediate hiring by local agencies.

LCTC principal Lindsey Gray and Superintendent Andrea Oak West thanked staff, industry partners and students for the programs that provide certifications, internships and workplace experience.

The board recessed briefly after the recognitions to congratulate honorees and invited community members to watch study-session discussions for deeper detail on items that receive shorter treatment in the voting meeting.

The resolution and the presentations reflect the district’s stated priority on career pathways and on-the-job readiness as complements to college preparatory options. The board indicated broad support for continuing and publicizing the LCTC programs and the staff who run them.