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Trustees approve $160,000 CTE paid apprenticeship; some trustees press equity and access questions
Summary
The board authorized a $160,000, grant‑funded paid IT apprenticeship for five juniors; trustees questioned whether the late‑cycle grant and concentrated placement at one high school created equity and transportation barriers, and asked staff for a districtwide review of CTE program locations and funding.
The board approved a new agreement funded by a California Opportunity Youth grant to provide paid apprenticeships and certification training in an IT support pathway for five juniors (not to exceed $160,000). District staff said the funds are a planning grant that must be expended by June 30, 2026 and that the program will give five juniors paid apprenticeships and industry certification opportunities.
Several trustees raised equity concerns. Trustees asked how students across the district were notified, whether transportation would be provided for students from other high schools, how students would be selected, and whether the use of supplemental or targeted funds at the end of a grant cycle would disadvantage other schools. One trustee asked the district to run a survey of interest in Workman and La Puente high schools so similar opportunities can be expanded if interest is confirmed.
District staff said the CTE advisory board weighs student interest, regional workforce demand, capacity, facilities and teacher voice when recommending pathways. Staff agreed to bring a comprehensive review of where CTE programs and grants are located, how funding is distributed, and what accountability systems are in place to ensure equitable distribution across the district.
