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Board hears public push for career and technical education charters; local trades leader outlines CTE lab plan
Summary
Public commenters and board members discussed misconceptions about charter schools and urged proactive outreach and RFP-style recruitment for CTE-focused charter proposals; a trades professional described plans for a 50x80–100 CTE lab.
Board members and members of the public used the Dec. 17 meeting to press for clearer public information about charter schools and to propose charter pathways centered on career and technical education.
A board member said there is widespread confusion about what charter schools are in Wyoming and how they differ from national models. "There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there," the member said, urging better public outreach and more accessible information on the board's website.
Multiple board members and staff recommended targeted outreach and RFP-style recruitment to invite proposals that meet local workforce needs, particularly in CTE fields. Don Masters suggested the board could be a catalyst by promoting needs (for example, on the Wind River Reservation, in Casper and Cheyenne) and inviting proposals to meet those needs.
Christian, a trades professional and public commenter, described an active plan to build a CTE shop and classrooms this spring. "My goal is really to build probably a 50 by 80 building or maybe a 50 by 100... with several bays in it and some CTE classrooms," he said, adding that he is coordinating planning, permitting and meetings with the school facilities division.
Board members encouraged coordinating with the Wyoming Department of Education communications team, the charter schools association and local industry. They suggested town-hall style informational sessions to help industry partners and community groups understand how to start a charter or develop a CTE program, and noted that supportive employers are available to participate in training and mentoring.
The discussion ended with a plan to place CTE outreach and communications on a future agenda so staff can develop an action plan for outreach, informational meetings and potential RFPs.
