This week’s post is inspired by conversations with not only my neighbors in the Shawnee district, but also my continued digestion & understanding of the FCPS Ignite 2030 Strategic Plan and college alternatives in general. It’s also based on experiences with my own extended family, where not everyone was suited to or even wanted to pursue a college degree and would have appreciated alternatives presented to them while still in school. When we talk about preparing our kids for the future, the conversation often centers solely around college or military service. While both are honorable and valuable pursuits, they are not the only paths to success. As a candidate for the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board- Shawnee District, I believe we need to elevate and accelerate Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a viable and respected alternative—equally worthy of our investment and advocacy.
Today’s job market is rapidly evolving. Skilled trades, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and green energy careers are booming, offering well-paying, stable, and fulfilling opportunities without the burden of student loan debt. Yet, many students and families remain unaware of these options—or worse, perceive them as less prestigious than traditional college degrees.
This is where CTE programs shine. Frederick County already offers over 90 CTE courses. From construction and culinary arts to cybersecurity and health sciences, these programs ignite passion, develop real-world skills, and open doors to career pathways that align with students' talents and interests. Equally important, they help meet the workforce needs of our local economy by supplying businesses with skilled, job-ready graduates. Strengthening CTE creates a pipeline of talent that supports small businesses, attracts new industries, and drives economic growth throughout our region, making our schools not just centers of learning, but engines of community prosperity in Frederick County.
The FCPS Ignite 2030 Strategic Plan sets the tone for the next chapter in our schools. One of its central promises is to ensure every student is “3E Ready”—prepared for enrollment, employment, or enlistment upon graduation.
Strategic Initiative 4 under Academic Achievement and Post-Secondary Readiness directly supports CTE expansion:
“Develop and expand new innovative programming and Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities that meet the needs of our community.”
This is not just a vision—it's a call to action. As an experienced project & program delivery executive, I can foresee the requirements and delivery challenges required to execute this initiative. I promise not to identify a problem without having an idea of how to solve it…. Here’s how I think we can make it real.
Modernizing and expanding our facilities ensures students are training on industry-standard equipment.
Strengthening partnerships will provide students with internships, apprenticeships, and align curriculum with real needs.
Begin introducing CTE concepts earlier helps students make informed decisions about their future. Don’t wait until high school, allow students to dream and experiment.
Celebrating success stories and recognizing CTE graduates equally at graduation fosters pride and legitimacy.
Investing in recruitment and professional development ensures quality instruction and program longevity. Here’s where our school system can enjoy and take advantage of “Industry to teacher” programs.
Empowering students to find success on their own terms is the center of education. Whether a student dreams of designing websites, welding bridges, running a restaurant, or launching a tech startup, our job is to give them the skills, confidence, and opportunities to get there.
Career and Technical Education is not a fallback plan. It’s a launchpad- and it’s time we treat it that way. My goal is to work together as a voice for our community to ignite every student’s potential.