Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School counselor urges board to honor career‑technical and trade pathways
Summary
Jessica Prince, a Greensburg Salem school counselor and parent, told the board career‑technical and skilled‑trade careers must be presented as equally valuable post‑secondary options and praised district efforts to expand CTE opportunities.
Jessica Prince, a school counselor with the Greensburg Salem School District and parent of a graduating senior, addressed the board during public comment to urge that career‑technical and trade pathways be treated with the same respect and visibility as college preparatory tracks.
"A path in the trades is not less than. It is not a fallback and it is not a second choice," Prince told the board, saying students deserve equal recognition, guidance and celebration for choosing trades or technical careers. She described the decision as "deliberate and meaningful and valuable," and asked the board to be mindful of language in public forums that could unintentionally devalue alternative post‑secondary options.
Prince praised district staff, administrators and the board for collaborative work on career pathways and thanked specific staff members for elevating visibility of CTE. After her comment a member of the public asked whether the district had discussed a reported non‑competence vote at the regional intermediate unit. The board replied that the matter had been discussed in executive session and could not be publicly disclosed; the solicitor’s involvement was noted.
Prince concluded by reiterating that broadening and celebrating multiple pathways improves student engagement and benefits the community.
