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Candidates back expanding trade and vocational pathways for students
Summary
Candidates across the school board slate supported expanding vocational and trade pathways, citing regional partnerships and the need to destigmatize non‑four‑year paths.
Candidates said trade education and multiple pathways should be a priority for Cape Elizabeth students.
Arianne Herter and Caitlin Sweet urged changing the language that frames non‑four‑year programs as "alternative," arguing that each path should be valued. Larry Kaplan and Phil Saucier highlighted regional partners — Portland Arts and Technology (PAS) and Westbrook Technology School — and suggested creating satellite programs so Cape students can access trade coursework without long commutes. Saucier said the district recently funded an extended‑learning opportunities coordinator to help students obtain hands‑on workplace experiences.
Candidates described concrete program opportunities — plumbing, aquaculture, green and marine technology — and urged the district and school committee to build pathways that connect high school students to local employers and technical programs. Several speakers argued that promoting vocational options could ease student stress and provide immediate career opportunities as college costs and debt rise.
