Prep for the future From the cover
The breakdown
Construction on the Career and Technical Education Center will cost over $76.7 million and is financed through Plano ISD’s 2022 bond. “This new facility will provide state-of-the-art resources to support both new and expanded CTE programs, reflecting our commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in high- demand industries,” Williams said. Williams added that it will allow the district to more efficiently utilize spaces for career and technical education, including expanding current offerings, to meet the needs of all students as part of the district’s Plano for Your Future initiative. “This will enable us to offer a broader range of courses and ensure that all students have access to high-quality CTE education, regardless of their campus,” Williams said. Karen Buechman, PISD’s director of Career and Technical Education said students will be able to take building maintenance, construction technology, cybersecurity, radiology and robotics courses once the new facility opens. “We’re preparing kids to enter that workforce ... and really shine through that application and interview process,” Buechman said.
Plano ISD’s new Career and Technical Education Center should welcome students in time for the 2026 27 school year.
RENDERING COURTESY PLANO ISD
Expected industry growth
Key:
2023 2028 (projected)
Hospitals & physicians +16.9%
+9.5%
Computer technology +33.9%
+20.6%
+19.6%
Construction
Automotive
Restaurant
SOURCE: WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS FOR NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
• $6,776 for students enrolled in non-state sponsored career and technical education courses • $7,884.80 for students enrolled in Level 1 or Level 2 career and technical education courses • $9,055.20 for students enrolled in Level 3 or Level 4 career and technical education courses
Additionally, more spaces for students to take CTE courses opens up more funding opportunities. According to the Texas Education Agency, districts can receive between 10% and 47% more in funding for students enrolled in career and technical education courses, based on an average daily attendance allotment of $6,160.
Why it matters
us,” Buechman said. With the new facilities, the district will be able to host more specialized classes and provide more space to programs, which could lead to higher enrollment, Buechman added.
education centers to get a feel for what was needed. “We want to make sure that we’re removing barriers for kids, and we’re able to serve the stu- dents who are interested in those areas to connect them to college or a career right after they leave
For the first time, the district will have a centralized career and technical education center, compared to having students meet at different campuses based on which courses they are enrolled in. Buechman said staff toured several other school districts’ career and technical
Full-day Pre-K Needs Full-Day Funding
DID YOU KNOW?
The state requires full-day pre-K but only funds half the day.
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