BY KARISSA MILLER
Iredell-Statesville Schools Director of Career & Technical Education Tim Woody reviewed highlights of the 2023-2024 school year and mapped out plans for the upcoming school year during Monday’s Board of Education meeting.
“We believe every moment counts … every student matters,” Woody told board members.
“This year, our theme is: ‘Have you declared your E?” he said.
As students are registering for courses for their junior year in high school, Woody wants them to know whether they are going to be enrolled, enlisted, employed or an entrepreneur when they graduate.
“It’s not about what they are going to do, but what avenue are they going to be on when they there,” he explained.
CTE staff is working with Mitchell Community College to boost welding and construction trade offerings for the 2024-2025 year. In an effort to attract more students, the Advanced Manufacturing program might be revamped for the 2025-2026 school year to focus on “Engineering Systems.”
2023-2024 Highlights
Woody shared some for the 2023-24 highlights:
• Students earned 4,852 professional Industry credentials.
• The Barbering program at Statesville High is fully up and running.
• Career Academy and Technical School (CATS) is growing its Pharmacy Technician program.
• The district is utilizing zSpace for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing) and with on-the-Go Field trips pushed in middle school classrooms
• There is a districtwide focus on academic plans in the eighth grade.
• Pathful Connect, a Virtual Job Shadowing platform, is being implemented to offer experiences to all ninth- and 10th-graders.
• The district is continuing to plan for Weathers Creek High School. Staff is working on an Aviation/Aeronautics program to anchor the Career & Technical Education program.
• The district offered three middle school events this year: Careers on Wheels, STEAM on the Go! and eighth grade on the move!
Successful Collaboration
Woody also mentioned Iredell Ready, an initiative with Mooresville Graded School District, Mitchell Community College, the Iredell Economic Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce and Iredell County Board of Commissioners to build a laser focus on career exposure, exploration and employment for fifth grade through postsecondary students.
The Iredell Ready collaborative is preparing the pipeline for business and industry partners, which are needed to fill the many open career opportunities within Iredell County.
CTE Student Impact
Woody said that CTE can have a tremendous impact on a student, especially one who is looking for something to spark their interest. He shared a statement from student Josh Suarez, a senior at CATS in the Auto Tech Center program, who wants to become an auto tech teacher.
“Taking CTE classes, specifically through the ATC program has given me unbelievable success and opportunity, whether it be through competitive events, hands-on learning or internships. I have been able to network, build relationships, and truly learn everything I know because of my CTE classes. I don’t know what I would have done without them,” Suarez said.
CTE Enrollment
The number of CTE courses taken has increased each academic year:
• 2020-21: 7,576
• 2021-22: 8,482
• 2022-23: 8,823
• 2023-24: 9,487
The district maintained its platinum status for the 2023-2024 year with Major Clarity, which is the highest honor you can get, Woody said.
Next Step
The Board of Education will vote to adopt the 2024-2025 CTE Local Plan on June 10.