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OKCPS readies college-and-career centers: staffing up, curricula finalized, early enrollment strong at some sites
Summary
District leaders told the board that college‑and‑career center staffing rose to 89% in June, curriculum for all pathway programs is finalized, teachers completed more than 68 hours of specialized training, and early enrollment shows some programs near capacity ahead of fall 2026 openings.
OKCPS presented an update on college‑and‑career centers and workforce development on June 8, reporting progress on staffing, curriculum, industry partnerships and early student enrollment.
Verna Martin, senior executive director of secondary schools and academics, said staffing for college and career centers increased from 70% in May to 89% in June and that only three positions remained open (two in construction and one in biotechnology). She said curriculum is finalized for 100% of the district’s career‑pathway programs and that teachers have completed more than 68 hours of specialized training to support fall 2026 implementation.
Dr. Petra Woodard, executive director of counseling, college and career readiness, provided an enrollment snapshot by site: Capitol Hill programs were nearing capacity in many pathways; John Marshall’s new foundations of health care program was at about 80% capacity; Northwest Classen had filled existing programs and added a biotechnology survey section for freshmen; Douglas had initial enrollments but remains a growth site for several new programs. Presenters clarified that enrollment numbers represent students in scheduled pathway seats across grades 9–12 (not single‑class cohort totals) and that additional schedule finalization was underway.
Board members asked operational questions about available seat counts, grade levels served, and whether students could take pathway courses without a full transfer to the host campus. District staff said they are exploring options for cross‑site participation and transportation logistics and aim to provide a clearer plan by the 2027–28 school year.
Kate Hayden, executive director of workforce development, described employer engagement and partner agreements to support aviation, healthcare, construction and business pathways and the launch of quarterly industry action teams to align program needs with local employers. She also reported a pilot that placed eight students into summer employment through a healthcare mentorship and screening pilot.
