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Park Center unveils new construction management, manufacturing CTE strands to launch 2026–27
Summary
Park Center Senior High presented two new career and technical education strands — construction management and manufacturing — that school leaders say will offer OSHA training, drone surveying and college partnerships starting informational sessions in fall 2025 and program launch in 2026–27.
Park Center Senior High on Tuesday presented a plan to expand its career and technical education offerings with two new strands — construction management and manufacturing — that administrators said will give students hands-on, industry-aligned training and options for college, technical college or direct employment.
"CTE isn't just important, it's essential," Matthew Saar, a Park Center CTE teacher, told the Osseo Area Schools board as he outlined coursework that will include management, design, business and safety training such as OSHA 30 and industry-aligned technology like a drone program. Saar said the district is working to build a direct partnership with North Hennepin Community College to give students a head start on a construction management degree.
Students who spoke at the meeting described how foundational classes led to internships and technical skills. Aaron Dungey said hands-on courses opened opportunities that let him think beyond a short-term job and pursue paid internships and training programs. "Little did I know the doors and opportunities that would open up from this simple decision," Dungey said.
Administrators told the board the intermediate and advanced coursework will be offered at Park Center and that district-wide outreach will let students from other high schools register. The district plans informational sessions for students and families in fall 2025 so students can select pathways during registration; the strands are scheduled to roll out in the 2026–27 school year. Board members praised the program as aligned with local workforce needs and asked staff to ensure materials and registration guidance reach families across the district.
The presentation emphasized both workforce and postsecondary outcomes: district staff cited state research showing higher graduation and postsecondary enrollment among students who take multiple CTE courses, and staff highlighted near-term credentials and work-based learning as central features of the new strands.
