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Education leaders propose centralized CTE academy, expand internships to 40 students this summer
Summary
Presenters reviewed CTE pathways and outcomes for the 2023–24 year, proposed centralizing single-instructor programs into a small CTE academy, and announced plans to expand internships to 40 students next summer (20 from each high school).
District and college presenters outlined career and technical education offerings and a proposal to centralize some programs to improve access and efficiency.
"In 2023, 2024, we had 384 CTE concentrators that year," a presenter said, adding that the system had 1,685 nonduplicated CTE participants and produced 2,124 credentials in that school year. The presenter cited a district graduation rate above 95 percent and a credential proficiency rate of 60.1 percent compared with a state rate of 58 percent.
Officials listed more than 50 credentials available through CTE and walked through pathways including animal science, horticulture, ag mechanics, masonry, woodworking, law and justice, drone technology, logistics, health science and food and nutrition. Presenters said some specialized programs are currently available at only one high school because certified instructors are scarce; for example, drone instruction is active at West Bladen but East Bladen currently lacks a certified teacher.
To address instructor attrition and equipment duplication, presenters proposed exploring a small centralized CTE academy housed in underused school facilities. "We would like to bring those singleton programs to a centralized location and create a miniature career academy," the presenter said, describing models used in other counties.
On work-based learning, the district said it hosted seven work-study students last summer and plans an expansion to 40 internships next summer: eight work-study positions and a goal of 20 interns from each high school. Presenters also said partnerships with NC Works and the local community college will be used to count internships toward student credentials.
Commissioners and school leaders discussed transportation logistics and whether centralizing programs would reduce costs by eliminating repeated instructor travel and duplicated facilities. No formal vote or binding decision was taken; presenters asked boards to provide feedback as they develop plans.
