Board approves new CTE pathways including an aviation program at the Watsonville airport

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board on Tuesday approved new CTE pathways and courses for the 2025–26 school year, including an aerospace/aviation pathway that will operate with partners at the Watsonville Municipal Airport.

Julie Edwards (management association) and program staff said the aviation pathway has a 25-student cap for the initial offering and will provide students with hands-on projects and potential regional apprenticeship pathways. "Students will learn the science of flight and have the opportunity to build a fully functional airplane," Julie Edwards told trustees, describing a donated kit and regional donations that support the project.

Trustees and public commenters asked about labor-market demand in Watsonville and the three-county region. Administrators said the program is designed with transferable technical skills (electrical and mechanical fundamentals, avionics basics) and regional industry links — including opportunities for apprenticeships that can shorten time to higher-paying jobs.

Several board members and community members called for ensuring equitable access and maintaining arts and media programs at other sites; Trustee Medina asked for documentation about program enrollments and for follow-up reporting on student demand and alignment to local job opportunities.

Trustees approved the new pathways by motion. District staff said the aviation project was supported in part by a $150,000 donation and by a regional nonprofit that has funded local aviation and drone education.