District highlights CTE growth, Debbie Smith CTE Academy and expanded concurrent enrollment

The Washoe County School District on Feb. 24 presented a Milestones & Momentum update on Strategic Plan Goal 5, which focuses on preparing students for post‑graduation life through expanded CTE offerings, concurrent enrollment and internships.

Chief Academic Officer Chris Hackbush introduced the update and called out three focus areas: advanced course access, post‑graduation planning and expansion of internships and work‑based learning. Josh Hartzog, director of Career & Technical Education, reported that 10,832 unique students were enrolled in advanced courses in the fall semester, noting many students take multiple advanced courses simultaneously.

Principal Mike Gifford spotlighted Debbie Smith Career & Technical Education Academy, the district’s newest high school, describing it as a culture‑driven program with roughly 700 students now and projected capacity near 800. Gifford emphasized nine academies within the school and community events that drew strong family turnout, including a 600‑person holiday event.

Staff described the district’s shift to a “CTE for all” model at comprehensive high schools, efforts to ensure each high school will offer at least one college‑level English, math and social studies or science course through concurrent enrollment, and partnerships with Truckee Meadows Community College and UNR to expand access. Internships and new programs (aviation technology, law enforcement, certified nursing assistant) were presented as pathways to high‑skill industry sectors. Trustees and staff discussed marketing, vertical alignment (middle‑to‑high school outreach) and counselor roles in ensuring students can access and schedule advanced options.

Trustees praised the program growth, noted the district’s budget constraints over recent years, and underscored the importance of continued outreach to families to boost awareness and enrollment.

The presentation closed with staff committing to continued data tracking, marketing, and reporting back to the board on enrollment and internship milestones.