CTE expansion illustrates need for additional funding

The district’s career and technical education (CTE) program has been a resounding success for thousands of students, but student demand currently exceeds our program capacity. With waitlists for critical CTE programs at an all-time high, the district took steps to expand CTE offerings through the 2024 bond. 

As part of that expansion, the district is rolling out CTE expansions at all middle schools and K-8s. This summer, six schools are slated to have existing spaces converted to flexible CTE facilities. Students at these schools will be the first in the district to gain access to new career-oriented programming that exposes them to practical, hands-on learning in areas that could include design, business, entrepreneurship, family and consumer sciences, and more. 

By introducing CTE to middle school students, the district is helping students uncover new interests and develop essential skills to guide their educational journey. 

Design for the six schools, listed below, is nearly complete. In the next several weeks, architects, in collaboration with school and district leaders, will put the finishing touches on designs for these CTE expansions. 

Summer 2026 CTE expansion

• Hulstrom K-8

• Northglenn Middle School

• Rocky Top Middle School

• Shadow Ridge Middle School

• Thornton Middle School

• Westlake Middle School

Preliminary architectural renderings for the programs show flexible spaces that offer room for growth and repurposing. This approach provides individual schools with the flexibility they need to make the most of these spaces. CTE spaces will offer students access to a variety of equipment, including 3-D printers, laser engravers, broadcasting equipment, dremels and hand-tools, advanced design software, and more. 

Architect’s concept showing the preliminary design for Hulstrom K-8’s CTE expansion, which will repurpose existing space inside the school library. Note: Preliminary designs are subject to change.

Architect’s concept showing the preliminary design for Northglenn Middle School’s CTE expansion, which will convert an existing classroom into a flexible learning space. Note: Preliminary designs are subject to change.

With CTE expansion comes the need for increased staffing

While the district’s CTE expansions are funded through the 2024 bond, the skilled educators and staff required to make the most of these spaces are ineligible to be funded through the bond. Ballot issue 5B, a mill levy override (MLO) up for voter approval this November, would serve as the funding source required for our CTE expansion. 

Ballot issue 5B would position the district to secure new, talented educators to support our CTE expansion. By offering hands-on training in fields like health care, cybersecurity, engineering, technology and manufacturing, CTE programs help bridge the growing skills gap in our economy while giving opportunities for all students. 

An investment in CTE presents a major opportunity for the communities served by Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Investments in CTE benefits the local economy and helps our communities grow stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future.

Get the facts on ballot issue 5B.