District highlights adult education growth, digital-literacy grant and new CTE pathways

District staff presented an overview of the Santa Paula Unified adult education program, reporting expanded enrollments and new career-pathway offerings aimed at adult learners and the district workforce.

The presenter said the program now serves about 129 ESL students at no cost and that completion momentum has improved: the district recorded nine high-school diplomas the prior year and expected at least 10 by year-end, plus seven GED completions in English and Spanish. Staff described a $124,000 grant that supports digital-literacy classes; learners who complete the program may receive free Chromebooks based on income eligibility.

Program additions outlined to the board included MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification classes, an administrative medical-assistant certification track under development (with Ventura College partnership), Spanish-for-the-workforce courses open to district employees, and citizenship-prep classes. The presenter emphasized outreach methods (banners, flyers, radio and word-of-mouth) and said adult-education funding is state-funded, not drawn from the district general fund.

Trustees praised the program's growth, asked about class schedules and participant demographics (staff said classes run mornings and evenings Monday'Thursday and draw both younger adults and older parents), and requested follow-up reporting on outcomes tied to workforce placements and recovered funding. The board thanked staff and encouraged continuing expansion of CTE pathways for adult learners.