Approximately one year ago, we learned that changes were made to Arizona Revised Statute 15-393 during the late-night budget process that cut $30 million from Joint Technical Education Districts (JTEDs). Set to take effect this July, the cuts would have essentially eliminated Career and Technical Education programs offered by our state's 14 JTEDs within 2 to 3 years. 

After 11 months of work with both chambers of the legislature, and the Governor's office, we won an important victory on February 16 of this year. In an unprecedented display of bi-partisan unity, the Senate and House each unanimously passed SB 1525, and Governor Ducey signed the act that repealed the 50 percent budget cuts. 

I wish I could personally shake the hand of every person who worked to preserve our CTE programs by writing, calling, and meeting with legislators and the Governor. 

My wish is not practical because there was such an enormous outpouring of support from thousands of people in Southern Arizona and across the state representing business and industry, every Chamber of Commerce, community partners, concerned citizens, educational advocacy networks, educational leaders, state and local elected officials, media outlets, and our students and parents. To all of you, on behalf of our students, staff and Governing Board, I thank you!

SB 1525 includes new accountability measures. For the most part, these measure aren't new to our district; they include many things we've been doing all along to protect the public's trust in Pima County JTED. 

A significant change is the fact that we can no longer receive funding for serving students who have either graduated high school or earned a GED. We were previously able to help these students in "grade 13" until they turned 22 years of age. 
 

The new law took effect immediately, in the middle of our enrollment process for the 2016-2017 school year. We are working with students affected by these changes, as well as with counselors and school administrators from all of our member school districts. 

We remain committed to helping students succeed. I ask that you help by encouraging students to take advantage of our programs while they are in grades 10-12. 

Again, we greatly appreciate your support. We could not have accomplished this without you. 

Sincerely,

Superintendent/CEO

 

Local businesses stepped in to make sure 115 JTED Construction students, representing 7 high schools, could compete in the recent SkillsUSA Regional competition at Catalina Magnet High School.

Charles Gallagher, who has taught construction for both the Tucson and Sahuarita school districts, coordinated the event. He says 15 businesses donated more than $10,000 in supplies and man hours. 

Winners of the event will advance to the State competition in Phoenix on March 29.