Quincy CTE leaders highlight industry advisory boards, state funding and new course approvals

CTE leaders presented to the board on how advisory boards connect local employers and classroom instruction and on recent course approvals and funding sources.

Elizabeth Averil, the district’s CTE director, and Ross Condo, CTE coordinator, described advisory boards as the backbone of career and technical education programs. They explained advisory boards meet at least three times a year (fall/winter/spring) to advise curriculum, recommend equipment and support program evaluation required by OSPI.

Ross said advisory members provide industry context, recommend certifications and sometimes supply equipment or curricular resources. He cited recent examples of partnerships that provided tours, mock interviews, internships and curriculum help. Elizabeth said state “enhanced funding” for approved CTE classes pays for expensive equipment and certifications and that the district actively pursues Perkins and Perkins Reserve grants to supplement those funds.

The presenters described the OSPI framework approval process: course frameworks (course summaries, unit plans, student learning outcomes) must align academic and industry standards; programs must provide employment data to justify new courses. The district reported several recent wins, including approval for middle-school art classes to be recognized as CTE and refreshed computer labs for STEM and skilled-tech programs funded in part by grant awards.

Board members asked where enhanced funding comes from and how advisory boards are recruited; staff responded that the funding is state-based for approved CTE courses, supplemented by Perkins grants and other competitive grants, and that advisory boards are formed by inviting local industry partners and community members to serve.

Elizabeth concluded by asking the board to continue encouraging community contacts for advisory board membership and to support CTE program visibility; the board thanked the presenters and moved on to the next agenda item.