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Granite Falls board advances plan for local fire science CTE program and launches levy committees
Summary
The Granite Falls School Board heard a proposal to offer a half-day fire science Career and Technical Education (CTE) program locally in partnership with Granite Falls Fire, aiming to provide credits and industry certifications and reduce travel to regional programs; the board also announced facilities and athletic-fields committees to advise levy-funded projects.
The Granite Falls School Board on April 22 heard a proposal to create a half-day fire science Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in partnership with Granite Falls Fire that would allow students to earn credits and certifications without traveling to the regional Snow Isle Skill Center.
Superintendent Dr. Gies told the board the district has been working closely with Granite Falls Fire and that regional demand is high: "last year 122 students wanted to get into the program and couldn't," she said, noting that a local offering could give students three credits and workforce certifications for careers such as firefighter or EMT.
Dr. Gies said the half-day program would reduce travel burdens for students who otherwise must go to Everett and Snow and would be run when student interest meets program thresholds and there is an industry need. "We have such a lovely partnership with them," she said, emphasizing the benefits of local instruction and the possibility that students could pursue a range of service and medical careers after certification.
The superintendent also outlined district-level planning tied to recent levy approvals. The board will stand up two advisory groups — a facilities committee and an athletic fields committee — made up of community volunteers to help prioritize levy-funded capital investments. Each committee, she said, includes roughly 25 community members and will develop priorities that reflect long-lived assets such as athletic fields and technology.
Board members earlier discussed financing options tied to the levies: the district held a study session on bridging funds to provide upfront financing ahead of levy collections currently scheduled for spring 2027. Dr. Gies said the committees and planning work are intended to make levy spending transparent and to ensure projects will serve the community long term.
The presentation also previewed related district activities, including quarterly success awards (scheduled for the May 27 board meeting) and ongoing work to monitor CTE program quality and capacity.
Next steps: the board will continue committee recruitment and planning; staff said additional details on program enrollment thresholds, curriculum, and scheduling will be provided as planning progresses.
