Conversation focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE) continued at the MISD school board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 1 when community speaker Shane Elmore addressed the board with praise and questions.

“When it comes to CTE, I want to thank you for having the workshop,” said Elmore.

“It was good for me to gain clarity and understanding. It is clear to me that CTE and a regional hub has kind of been grouped together. I think there are two separate questions that you need to address and answer. Is a regional hub only possible if we build a big new building? Is that the only way we can do a regional hub?

“When I think about the school board and what’s been asked of you, you’re being asked to do something that’s not been done before. I’m excited about a regional hub. You were elected to think about the students of Mineola first and foremost. I was in theater for many years, and I was embarrassed of the multi-purpose building that we had to perform in.

“My concern is, a big new building off campus is fancy and nice and expensive, but at the same time, taxpayers have spoken on a big bond. We also can not neglect those other students. It’s not just CTE being considered. I heard the band director asking questions about things that are going to happen. I think that we can’t ignore the fact that it’s eventually going to be rolled into another bond and that’s going to have to be addressed.”

Interim Superintendent Randy Hancock reiterated what had been said at the workshop on Sept. 24. MISD is looking at CTE and the regional hub as two separate things. To proceed with CTE, temporary arrangements for the next two years are needed, regardless of what is done about the hub. 

“The programs we have now, the equipment that’s coming, all of those things…we’re going to need temporary facilities. We have to have solutions starting next year,” said Hancock.

If a regional hub is built, the temporary facilities will no longer be needed. If the hub is not built, the facilities would become more permanent. Over the next few weeks, more information on existing buildings and building costs will be gathered. 

“By November, we will be prepared to bring a recommendation and information on the cost of changing and how to go about achieving the temporary – maybe permanent facility,” said Hancock.

Mark Parkerson, Director of Special Programs, reminded the board that 6,000 sq. ft. is the minimum needed for CTE for the next two years. A lab for health sciences and two shop areas for HVAC and industrial maintenance must be established by next school year.