Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Cte topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Atwater CTE showcase spotlights overcrowded programs and asks for space, equipment
Summary
Atwater High School staff and students showcased diesel mechanics and construction trades programs, citing heavy demand, industry partnerships and certifications, and asking the district for expanded facilities and equipment to serve more students.
Principal Alexi Parley, principal of Atwater High School, opened the district’s career and technical education showcase by describing two programs housed at the MUHSD Castle facility: diesel mechanics and construction trades. Parley said the programs serve students from multiple high schools in the district and highlighted recent awards and grant funding supporting CTE work.
“On behalf of our students and staff, I am honored to welcome you to our campus,” Parley told trustees, noting the district received “over $600,000 from the Golden State Pathways Grant” and an additional “$300,000 for our A mechanics,” plus “nearly $300,000 through Proposition 28” for arts and music programming. She also noted a Harbor Freight Tools for Schools award of $50,000 for a mechanics teacher.
Mr. Art Castro, who teaches diesel mechanics, described partnerships with industry that supply engines, training equipment and certifications from manufacturers such as Freightliner. Castro said students gain hands‑on, work‑based learning and that the program’s next step is an “industry‑approved facility.”
Third‑year student Sebastian described hands‑on experiences — from learning tool fundamentals to vehicle diagnostics — and credited the program with industry certifications and competition opportunities. “The biggest life‑changing experience… has been able to compete at Universal Technical Institute,” Sebastian said, noting he won a $10,000 scholarship.
Construction trades teacher Dennis Fzen reported roughly 70 students across sections and said the program once enrolled more but is constrained by space. He described the curriculum — blueprint reading, framing and finishing techniques — and industry partnerships (Core Contractors, Bulk Construction) that provide safety equipment and materials for projects and competitions.
Sophomore Dallas Trillo, who participates through a cross‑site arrangement, described a required 10‑hour safety course and competition experience, and urged the district to expand capacity so more students can participate. Board members asked how students are selected for the double‑blocked classes; staff said counselors and scheduling constraints determine placement and that transportation is a limiting factor.
Parley closed the presentation by noting districtwide CTE and related investments and outcomes, including rising AP pass rates and a reported average daily attendance of 95.5 percent at Atwater High. She and presenters urged consideration of new space and targeted grants to expand the programs so the district does not have to turn interested students away.
The board did not take action on a specific facilities request during the meeting but several trustees referenced the district’s ongoing exploration of capital options during later agenda items.
