Carlsbad Unified approves three‑year career pathways and CTE strategic plan

Staff presented the district's proposed career pathways and career technical education (CTE) strategic plan for 2024–27. Nicole Marsh and Dr. Brockett highlighted outcomes from the prior plan: roughly 69% of high school students participated in a pathway last year and the number of pathway completers rose from 192 in 2021 to 346 in the most recent year.

Presenters described growth in work‑based learning opportunities, early college credit offerings with MiraCosta and Palomar, and about 55 active partnerships with local industry and community organizations that support internships and classroom integration. The presentation cited increases in students earning industry certificates and college credit while in high school.

Trustees asked about equitable funding for pathways, how students learn about opportunities, and whether introductory CTE courses could be offered without a CTE‑credentialed teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. Staff said some grants require credentialed CTE teachers at the high school level but that the district can create introductory pathway experiences at lower grades and use other funding sources to fill gaps.

Trustee Gadsden and others praised the plan's alignment with the district's graduate profile and requested that staff continue communicating opportunities broadly to families and community partners. Trustee Pearson said he would vote yes with a caveat that the incoming board and candidates provide feedback.

The board approved the CTE and career pathways strategic plan, Exhibit A, by a 5–0 vote.

What happens next: Staff will continue implementation, pursue grant funding (including a CTIG application the district recently submitted), and coordinate outreach and dual‑enrollment opportunities referenced in the plan.