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Caldwell School Board votes to discontinue CNA program at Caldwell High School
Summary
On March 23, 2026, the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees voted to discontinue the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program at Caldwell High School, citing low enrollment, staffing and certification constraints and plans to absorb coursework into the sports medicine pathway where possible.
The Caldwell School District Board of Trustees voted March 23, 2026, to discontinue the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program at Caldwell High School and to absorb elements of that coursework into the district’s sports medicine pathway where feasible.
District staff presented enrollment and program data showing long-term declines and scheduling constraints that limit which introductory courses can count toward certification. "At one point, we were at 6,200 students, and today, we're about 4,800," Miss Anderson told the board, noting the district currently records "918 open seats k 12" at maximum capacity. Staff and trustees said declining enrollment and mandated salary minimums have tightened the district budget.
Miss Kelly, the staff presenter on career and technical education (CTE) programming, explained that teacher certification and course scheduling restrict how some entry-level classes can be offered and applied to credential pathways. She told trustees that anatomy and physiology is taught by a dual-credit science teacher and that some programs, such as medical assisting (MA) and CNA, require double blocks that make schedule space scarce.
Vice Chair Trish Robertson, who moved to reduce the CNA/MA program at Caldwell High School, emphasized stewardship of district funds and student alternatives. "We need to look at the most efficient use of the taxpayer dollars in our programs," Robertson said, adding that staff would work to make other pathways available, including community college options.
The motion to remove the CNA program at Caldwell High School was moved by Vice Chair Trish Robertson and seconded by Trustee Aaron Sullivan Smith. After discussion and some trustees urging additional information, the board approved the motion on a voice vote. Several trustees expressed reluctance but concluded program reduction was necessary given enrollment and certification constraints.
Board members instructed staff to reach out to regional partners (including College of Western Idaho options mentioned in discussion) and to ensure students already interested in MA/CNA coursework have alternative pathways. The meeting transitioned to executive session for personnel matters immediately after the vote.
