The CareerTech State Board Meeting on August 21, 2025, kicked off with a strong sense of community and purpose as members gathered to discuss key updates and initiatives. Superintendent Walters was absent, but the meeting proceeded smoothly with a quorum present.

One of the most significant highlights was the recent 58th Annual Oklahoma Summit, which brought together over 4,400 CareerTech educators for professional development and networking. Gina Hubbard, who presented on the summit, emphasized the importance of this event in fostering collaboration among educators. For the first time, the entire CareerTech agency staff attended the summit, marking a pivotal moment in understanding their mission to serve schools and stakeholders effectively.

Hubbard noted that this initiative allowed staff members to connect with educators and gain insights into the real-world impact of their work. "It was a big eye-opening experience for a lot of the staff to know the why we operate as CareerTech," she stated, highlighting the importance of understanding the educational landscape.

In addition to the summit, the board discussed upcoming changes regarding lottery funds, which will be addressed in detail at the next meeting. There was also a focus on enhancing field positions within the agency, allowing staff to spend more time in the field rather than in the office, a move aimed at better supporting teachers.

The meeting concluded with a call for questions and a commitment to keep board members informed about ongoing developments, particularly regarding compensation reviews and the agency's strategic direction. As the school year begins, the board's focus remains on ensuring that CareerTech continues to meet the needs of educators and students across Oklahoma.