Board approves Career Prep's redesign into CTE-focused high school to improve graduation and work-readiness

The Central Consolidated Schools board voted to redesign Career Prep High School into a career and technical education (CTE) high school focused on health sciences, business and teaching pathways, with an implementation plan to add hands-on learning, industry partnerships and work-based learning opportunities.

A district administrator told the board the redesign aims to increase the district's graduation rate by offering students career-connected classes, certifications and internships that make daily attendance more relevant. "The primary outcome that we're trying to do is increase our graduation rates," the presenter said, adding the redesign should also address chronic attendance issues by giving students clearer postsecondary and workforce pathways.

The plan calls for partnering with San Juan College and regional employers to align dual-enrollment courses and job-skills training. The presenter said San Juan College has committed to maintaining national concurrent-enrollment standards and will collaborate on outreach, alignment, advising and supports to reduce "dead-end" credits and improve credit transferability.

Board members probed facility and equipment needs for trades such as welding and construction; the presenter said initial grant funding will cover start-up activities and that additional investments in exhaust systems and equipment may be required for shop-based programs. The board also asked whether the school will continue to serve students who want four-year-college pathways; the presenter said the school would continue to offer academic supports and college options alongside the CTE pathways.

After discussion the board approved the proposal and authorized implementation planning and district support to launch the CTE pathways, including outreach to industry partners for apprenticeships and summer work-based opportunities.

The motion passed by roll-call vote; board members asked staff to return with detailed implementation timelines, equipment cost estimates and enrollment outreach plans.