Board approves CTE funding application; presenters cite credential growth and pathway changes

A presenter for Career and Technical Education outlined pathway changes and credentialing results and the Edgecombe County Public Schools board approved the district’s application for state and federal CTE funding for the 2025–26 school year at its June 9 meeting.

The presenter described new or expanded credentials — including beef quality assurance and a social‑media marketing credential — and said JROTC and CTE pathways will be integrated beginning next school year with JROTC 1–3 credentialing. The presenter said credential counts rose from 234 in 2021–22 to 1,288 in the most recent reporting period and highlighted several program proficiency rates (for example, 94% for North Carolina beef quality assurance at one campus and 88% proficiency in animal science). The presentation emphasized work‑based learning: internships, apprenticeships and partnerships with ECU Health and other local employers.

Board members asked questions about program reductions and staffing. The presenter said budget cuts and licensure challenges resulted in staff losses and the elimination of some pathways (food and nutrition; hospitality and tourism) at certain campuses, while other campuses retained or added pathways such as sports and event marketing and computer science.

Following the presentation, a board member moved to approve the CTE state/federal funding application for FY 2025–26. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The presenter emphasized the role of PRC funding and described how credentials and work‑based learning are intended to prepare students for postsecondary certificates, college and careers.

The board’s approval authorizes the administration to submit the application and to implement the funded components as described in the CTE packet.