CTE audit largely positive; one paperwork noncompliance found

District staff briefed the board on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) audit and its results, reporting broadly positive findings alongside one correctable paperwork noncompliance.

Emily Duplantis described the three-part audit process and said the state conducted a thorough equipment review on a site visit. "We found every single item on their list," Duplantis said after the onsite equipment review. She read the state's written finding: "Dorchester district 2 does not have an established CTE local advisory council or committee, composed of appropriate members on file," and explained the practical meaning: the advisory sign-in sheets lacked gender and ethnicity columns. Duplantis said the district added those two fields to its sign-in sheet in response.

Duplantis also read the state's commendations: the audit letter noted Dorchester District 2 "exemplifies the best practices model" in areas including local application, comprehensive local needs assessment, equipment, professional development, industry credentials and programs of study. The audit praised outreach to special populations and partnerships with Goodwill and the Economic Development Center.

Board members complimented the CTE team for the preparation, and Duplantis said the finding was easily rectified and controllable. She invited board members to join CTE walk-throughs to see programs in action.

Next steps: the district has updated its sign-in sheet and will include the revised form in future audit materials; staff encouraged board participation in CTE walk-throughs.