Lewiston leaders tout CTE, multilingual and adult-education gains as budget pressures mount

Several non-classroom programs presented at the March 18 workshop with data showing program growth and outcomes even as the district confronts stiff budget pressures.

Rob Callahan, director of the Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC), reported record applications for next fall and said LRTC will add a landscaping pathway in fall 2026. He highlighted recent competitive success: LRTC students won 46 medals at SkillsUSA and earned a FIRST Robotics design award. Callahan noted expanded Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) placements that put 50+ students into paid community work while earning credit.

Multilingual program director Liza McLemore told the committee the district serves about 2,010 multilingual students districtwide, with 62 community-proficient educators and language facilitators supporting translation and interpretation. She said 118 multilingual learners exited the language program last year after demonstrating English proficiency and emphasized expanded language-access work for families.

Lewiston Adult Education director Jen Tiner reported state metrics showing a measurable-skill-gain (MSG) rate of about 42.7% (slightly above the state target) and workforce credentials awarded (275 to date for the year). Tiner also described developing employer partnerships and apprenticeship placements and warned that some grant-funded adult-education activities (including NMRC Lewiston and apprenticeship supports) are approaching expiration and may require new funding sources.

All presenters urged the committee to consider the fiscal implications for programs that rely on grants, subsidies and employer partnerships, and asked committee members to weigh program outcomes when discussing possible reductions.