Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Career Technical Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Apache Junction schools seek to expand CTE offerings, aim for culinary certifications for graduates
Summary
District leaders reported stronger-than-expected first‑quarter enrollment in Career and Technical Education, introduced a new culinary teacher and outlined plans to add welding, sports medicine and other CTE programs with an aim to get students industry certifications by graduation.
Apache Junction Unified District leaders told the governing board that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the high school are growing rapidly and the district plans to add several career pathways so students can leave school with industry‑recognized credentials.
Mr Cox, who presented the CTE update, said the district counted 153 students in on‑campus CTE programs in the first quarter, up from 108 students attending programs at the regional EVIT campus. “Our goal is to get these students certified,” Cox said, describing plans to align culinary, construction and other programs with certification tests so graduates can enter the workforce with credentials.
The board heard directly from the new culinary teacher, Mr Salby, who said his aim is to prepare students both in practical kitchen skills and with a service‑industry certification that would be useful to employers in restaurants, hotels and resorts. “The ultimate goal is to get them that certification so when they step away from this campus with their diploma they have a certificate and they’re well ready to go into the workforce,” Salby said.
Board members asked how and when students would become eligible for certification. Staff explained that most culinary certifications are administered after a student’s second year in the program, typically in spring, so completers can walk out of high school already certified.
District staff outlined a multi‑year plan to expand offerings and feeder pathways. Planned additions under consideration include welding, sports medicine, early childhood education, agriculture and stagecraft; graphic design and marketing are already paired on campus. Cox said the district hopes to house more programs on campus to reduce transportation challenges that have limited participation when students travel to EVIT programs.
The CTE update also emphasized outreach to the junior high level to build a feeder pattern and retain students through high school. Board members welcomed the expansion as a way to offer alternatives to four‑year college and to meet local labor needs in a tourism‑driven economy.
The board did not take action on program approvals at this meeting; staff said further details, including staffing and timelines for new pathways, will be presented as plans firm up.
