Abilene ISD highlights growth in CTE and Holland Medical High, cites strong industry-certification rates and clinical partnerships
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Summary
CTE director Lucille Fullan outlined district CTE structure, funding (Perkins V and state allocations), and 23 programs of study. Holland Medical High Dean Ginger Held reported improved participation, high industry-based certification pass rates (CNA 98%, CCMA 97%, EKG 96%), and workforce placements, while noting constraints on clinical partners and substitutes.
Abilene Independent School District’s CTE leaders told the board on March 5 that the district’s career and technical education programs are expanding and producing measurable certification outcomes, but that several capacity and awareness challenges remain.
“Perkins V is our federal grant,” CTE Director Lucille Fullan said, and she explained that federal and state funding are restricted to adopted programs of study and tied to seat-time and course-credit rules. Fullan told the board Abilene ISD offers 23 programs of study, two of which are regional offerings, and that the district must spend a required portion of state CTE allocations directly on program costs.
Fullan said the district’s Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) is underway and that the district is continuing initiatives to introduce CTE earlier—bringing elementary students to hands-on events and hosting eighth-grade tours so students can see pathways before high school. She also described partnerships with local industry groups and a new aerospace/STEM curriculum partnership through the Aldrin Foundation’s student satellites program.
Ginger Held, dean of Holland Medical High School, told the board the program emphasizes clinical experience and workforce readiness. Held said Holland had 130 junior applicants this year and capacity for 110; current Holland enrollment stood near pre-pandemic levels at about 157–158 students. Holland’s pass rates on industry-based certificates were high, Held said: CNA 98%, certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) 97%, EKG 96% and phlebotomy 86%.
Held described workforce outcomes including recent LVN graduates hired locally and reported that students frequently secure clinical placements with area hospitals, pharmacies and dental clinics; she asked the board to help identify additional clinical partners and qualified nursing substitutes to support clinical instruction.
Board members praised the programs’ industry connections and student outcomes and asked about accountability measures. Fullan and Held explained that accountability points tied to College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) depend on completer and IBC attainment, and that the district will continue tracking earned versus passed certifications as accountability rules evolve.
The board did not take action on any CTE items during the workshop; presentations were informational and staff said they will return with further CLNA and program details as they complete the assessment.