Senator Flamingo questions redundancy in new Career Technical Education pilot program
March 18, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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On March 18, 2025, the West Virginia Senate Education Committee convened to discuss a proposed bill concerning Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the potential redundancy of the new program and its implications for existing agricultural education initiatives.
Senator Fomingo initiated the discussion by seeking input from various stakeholders, including manufacturers and the Department of Agriculture. He emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of those involved in CTE, particularly in light of the potential overlap with current educational offerings. A key point raised was the concern about duplicating efforts already in place, as existing CTE programs are capable of delivering similar educational content without the need for additional layers of administration.
A certified CTE director expressed apprehension that the proposed bill could inadvertently divert funding from established programs. He noted that CTE funding is heavily reliant on Perkins money, which is allocated based on student completion rates. The introduction of a new program could lead to a decrease in funding for existing agricultural programs, as students might shift from being completers to concentrators, thereby reducing the financial resources available to those programs.
Senator Fomingo echoed these concerns, suggesting that while the intent of the bill is commendable, it risks creating unnecessary complications and could hinder the effectiveness of current agricultural education. He pointed out that industry partnerships with schools are already feasible under existing frameworks, and the introduction of a new program might not be necessary.
The committee also discussed the permissive nature of the proposed pilot program, which would allow schools to opt-in rather than mandating participation. This aspect raised questions about the program's structure and its long-term viability, as the bill did not specify limitations on duration or geographic scope.
In conclusion, the discussions during the Senate Education Committee meeting underscored the need for careful consideration of the proposed CTE bill's impact on existing programs. As the committee continues to evaluate the legislation, the focus will remain on ensuring that educational resources are utilized effectively without compromising the quality of current agricultural education initiatives. The next steps will likely involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the bill to address the concerns raised by committee members.
Senator Fomingo initiated the discussion by seeking input from various stakeholders, including manufacturers and the Department of Agriculture. He emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of those involved in CTE, particularly in light of the potential overlap with current educational offerings. A key point raised was the concern about duplicating efforts already in place, as existing CTE programs are capable of delivering similar educational content without the need for additional layers of administration.
A certified CTE director expressed apprehension that the proposed bill could inadvertently divert funding from established programs. He noted that CTE funding is heavily reliant on Perkins money, which is allocated based on student completion rates. The introduction of a new program could lead to a decrease in funding for existing agricultural programs, as students might shift from being completers to concentrators, thereby reducing the financial resources available to those programs.
Senator Fomingo echoed these concerns, suggesting that while the intent of the bill is commendable, it risks creating unnecessary complications and could hinder the effectiveness of current agricultural education. He pointed out that industry partnerships with schools are already feasible under existing frameworks, and the introduction of a new program might not be necessary.
The committee also discussed the permissive nature of the proposed pilot program, which would allow schools to opt-in rather than mandating participation. This aspect raised questions about the program's structure and its long-term viability, as the bill did not specify limitations on duration or geographic scope.
In conclusion, the discussions during the Senate Education Committee meeting underscored the need for careful consideration of the proposed CTE bill's impact on existing programs. As the committee continues to evaluate the legislation, the focus will remain on ensuring that educational resources are utilized effectively without compromising the quality of current agricultural education initiatives. The next steps will likely involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the bill to address the concerns raised by committee members.
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