Board approves small‑animal CTE courses to formalize program after federal review

Prince Edward County Public Schools board members approved adding Small Animal Care courses to the division’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program after staff said a federal CTE review noted the courses were being taught without a prior submission.

CTE instructor and presenter (Mr. Foster) told the board the division has been offering Small Animal Care 1 and 2 and that the federal review required the district to submit formal course approval. Foster said the classes are popular — the CTE cap is 20 students, and recent sections averaged about 18.4 students — and that students participate in work‑based learning placements at local veterinary practices. He also described the program’s alignment with career pathways for veterinary technicians and related fields and said the program includes hands‑on experiences such as ultrasounds and field visits.

Board members asked whether the courses focus on career training rather than recreation; staff replied the application requires evidence of local labor need and that the classes support career pathways with potential wage prospects in allied animal care fields. Foster said additional outcome data (graduation‑to‑career statistics) can be provided to the board on request.

Motion to approve Small Animal Care 1 carried; trustees subsequently approved Small Animal Care 2 as well. The motions passed with standard board voice votes; no roll‑call tally of individual members was given in the record.