McAllen ISD previews P-TECH early-college pathway, highlights 24 CTE programs and high student participation
February 25, 2026 | MCALLEN ISD, School Districts, Texas
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Leo Saenz, director of Career Technical Education at McAllen ISD, presented a departmental report highlighting the size and scope of the district's CTE offerings and announced a new P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program at Roe.
Saenz said McAllen ISD currently offers 24 programs of study across 13 clusters and provides more than 40 industry certifications. "About 85 percent of our high school students are in CTE, some type of CTE course," he told trustees and said the district has issued more than 1,000 industry certifications this year, approaching 1,200. He also reported 458 college credit hours earned in the first semester and emphasized the district's focus on tying students to at least one certification before graduation.
Saenz described P-TECH at Roe as "a school within a school" that will start with a ninth-grade cohort next year and initially offer two pathways: construction management (including supervisory skills and a level 1 certificate from SDC) and electrician training. He said the program is grant-funded (a Lasso grant for start-up expenses) and that 12 student applications have already been approved; applications will remain open through August. Saenz said no additional staff hires are required initially because the program will use existing classes and partnerships with higher-education providers.
Trustees asked about growing information-technology offerings and integrating AI into future CTE options. Saenz said the district has tried principles of information technology across campuses but has seen low enrollment; he acknowledged AI and IT-related skills are strategic priorities and that some elements (robotics, engineering) already appear across grade levels.
Saenz framed P-TECH as both workforce development and an opportunity to secure additional grant funding tied to the program designation. The board received the report as informational; no action was required.
Saenz said McAllen ISD currently offers 24 programs of study across 13 clusters and provides more than 40 industry certifications. "About 85 percent of our high school students are in CTE, some type of CTE course," he told trustees and said the district has issued more than 1,000 industry certifications this year, approaching 1,200. He also reported 458 college credit hours earned in the first semester and emphasized the district's focus on tying students to at least one certification before graduation.
Saenz described P-TECH at Roe as "a school within a school" that will start with a ninth-grade cohort next year and initially offer two pathways: construction management (including supervisory skills and a level 1 certificate from SDC) and electrician training. He said the program is grant-funded (a Lasso grant for start-up expenses) and that 12 student applications have already been approved; applications will remain open through August. Saenz said no additional staff hires are required initially because the program will use existing classes and partnerships with higher-education providers.
Trustees asked about growing information-technology offerings and integrating AI into future CTE options. Saenz said the district has tried principles of information technology across campuses but has seen low enrollment; he acknowledged AI and IT-related skills are strategic priorities and that some elements (robotics, engineering) already appear across grade levels.
Saenz framed P-TECH as both workforce development and an opportunity to secure additional grant funding tied to the program designation. The board received the report as informational; no action was required.
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