Civil Municipal - April 2024

in our community, who are on campus daily with our students and meeting their needs.” The conversation shifts towards the district’s innovative academic and vocational education approaches, highlighting the importance of dual enrollment programs and partnerships with vocational schools and post-secondary institutions. Pittser and Enochs provide insight into the strategic collaborations that have given Miami Trace students a competitive edge. Pittser says,“We partner with our vocational school, Great Oaks. We have numerous on-site programs, and more than 10% of our student body travel to Great Oaks for their programs.” Enochs adds,“In terms of dual enrollment, what we have at Miami Trace with our partnerships predominantly with Southern State Community College is pretty impressive. Approximately 26% of our students graduated with at least 12 college credits.” Pittser also highlights the strategic planning involved in expanding career field connections,“Our partnership with Great Oaks was very instrumental in designing spaces in our new high school for program options.”This emphasis on career readiness and field connections is a direct response to the needs of the new economy, preparing students not just for the jobs of today but for the challenges and opportunities of the future. STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS As educational landscapes evolve, so too do the strategies employed by school districts to meet the burgeoning needs of their communities. Pittser outlines the prudent use of funds and the district’s 248 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04