Tina Beth Easton-Espe

This Consortium Perkins Local Plan for the Western Statewide CTE Consortium outlines strategies for strengthening Career and Technical Education under the Perkins V Act. The plan prioritizes increasing student enrollment and exposure to CTE courses through expanded offerings and partnerships, providing quality professional development for CTE educators, and enhancing collaboration between secondary, post-secondary, and industry partners to align learning with skill development. Key focus areas also include comprehensive career activities, support for special populations, robust work-based learning opportunities, pathways to postsecondary credit, and effective teacher recruitment and training.

The board meeting included a presentation on the status of the Prison Education Program, approval of the Surplus List, and updates from the Foundation, Faculty, and RCAS representatives. Financial reporting was provided, including personnel disclosures. Academic updates involved a discussion regarding a hiatus for the HVAC/Refrigeration Technology program, the approval of a new Gunsmithing program proposal, and an off-site location request for the Business-Entrepreneurship Program. The President provided updates on legislative matters, board appointments, and the upcoming meeting schedule. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding contract negotiations.

The board meeting included a presentation on the Student Satisfaction Inventory covering response rates and findings, an enrollment update, and a financial report including a personnel disclosure. Updates were provided by the Foundation and student representatives, followed by a report from the President regarding legislative matters and campus events. The board conducted an executive session regarding the protection of property and approved a five-year financing agreement for campus security enhancements.

This document outlines the current state and benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in South Dakota, providing key statistics on student participation, graduation rates, and credentials awarded. It establishes the central goal of scaling high-quality CTE programs across the state to ensure all learners have access to education in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career fields, advocating for increased investment to achieve this objective and meet future workforce demands.

The meeting commenced with a Board Development session featuring the presentation of the Cybersecurity Annual Report by the IT Director. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which covered the minutes from the previous meeting and the bills to pay. The President provided an overview of recent activities and upcoming events. The Finance Report included a presentation on the FY27 budget process and the sharing of the monthly personnel disclosure. Ex Officio members provided updates, with the Foundation Director sharing information on the Build Dakota Board meeting presentation and the RCAS Representative reporting on bond efforts and advocacy. Discussion also took place regarding potential legislative planning for the upcoming session.