Aspire program and career fair highlight post‑graduation planning; district reports rising FAFSA completion

District staff updated the board on the Aspire program and a recent career fair designed to connect students with trades, colleges and employers.

High‑school counselors and the Aspire coordinator reported roughly 35 vendors at the job fair and said the event included hands‑on demonstrations and career pathways exposure. Staff credited organizers and volunteers, and they said the program uses fundraising and a recent grant (from the Courtney Rice Foundation) to support student programming.

District metrics cited at the meeting included an estimated 58% FAFSA completion rate and approximate post‑graduation intentions reported to the board: about 24% of students planning to attend a four‑year university, 22% to enroll in community college, 20% heading toward trades and 19% entering the workforce. Staff also said some students had signed with the military and that one student had nearly all tuition covered except about $8,500.

Students who attended the fair described hands‑on experiences and a range of career interests from culinary arts to medical examiner tracks. Board members praised Aspire's outreach and urged staff to better publicize program successes and timelines so families see the district’s post‑secondary supports.

Board members suggested greater use of school and district social media, flyers, and the district calendar to broadcast results and event dates. Staff said they will work on a timeline slide or quarterly outreach to keep families informed and will bring back specific plans for communications.