Pewaukee High proposes new basic-electronics and manufacturing tracks in CTE update

District staff presented a high‑school technology and engineering curriculum update during the April 27 meeting and asked the board to review course unit plans during a posted review period before formal adoption.

Nelson Brownell outlined pathway changes: addition of a Basic Electronics course to close a gap between electronics and PLTW digital-electronics content, a restructured manufacturing pathway split into design-focused and hands-on technical semester classes, and a Pirate Manufacturing capstone where students produce projects for potential customers. Brownell described software instruction (Adobe Illustrator, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor) and new hands-on opportunities in woods and metals classes.

Assistant superintendent Anthony Pizzo told the board most CTE materials were included in last year's adoption and that $7,500 is specifically budgeted to purchase VEX robot kits for a Project Lead The Way class; he said most other equipment needs were met earlier. Ben (department staff) noted grant activity, and the group estimated roughly $110,000 in grant funds secured recently to support departmental programs.

Board members asked about youth apprenticeship and dual-enrollment pathways. Staff said youth-apprenticeship enrollment rose (five last year to eight this year at the high school, plus four in GPS) and outlined apprenticeship areas (construction trades, IT, dental, culinary). Staff said dual-enrollment numbers were not on hand but will be provided as part of the Start College Now/Early College Credit Program materials and that public review remains open through May 18.