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Deer Park High principal reports growth in CTE, FFA and DECA; students earning college credit and national placements
Summary
Principal Troy Huitt told the board CTE programs are robust after a key hire; FFA and DECA participation rose, many courses articulate college credit, and students won regional honors and are competing internationally.
Troy Huitt, principal of Deer Park High School and the district's CTE director, told the board on May 5 that Career and Technical Education remains "the heart of our school," highlighting program growth, a successful new shop hire, and expanded student opportunities.
"Our CT programs continue to be kind of the heart of our school," Huitt said, describing a smooth transition after hiring Austin Miller as the new shop teacher and noting Miller's FFA background strengthened both the shop and FFA programs. Huitt reported "107 unduplicated students" in certain CTE classes and said most courses are articulated so students "are also earning college credit by taking her classes." He said 63 students have supervised agriculture experiences and the district has 63 FFA members, with several students competing at state and international levels.
Huitt said the district is pursuing equipment upgrades and transportation solutions to support competitions and field experiences; he noted a potential roughly $40,000 grant the district is evaluating for shop equipment. Board members praised teachers and the programs' role in connecting students to career pathways.
The presentation also highlighted DECA activities: five student-run stores, community events, a city proclamation for DECA month, and nine students competing internationally in Atlanta. Board members asked about resource needs; staff pointed to vehicle/transportation and capital-equipment lists as items under consideration.
Next steps: staff will pursue grant and equipment procurement where feasible and continue advisory meetings with local businesses to support CTE pathways.
