“We take pride in being a district where students, staff, and parents feel connected—but also where we hold ourselves accountable. The world is changing fast, and we want our kids prepared for jobs that don’t even exist yet.” That combination of family atmosphere and forward vision defines Ingleside ISD’s approach to learning. Situated along the Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi, the district serves a close-knit population shaped by multigenerational roots and a dynamic local economy. Many graduates follow in their parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps—working in energy, maritime, or emerging technologies—but today’s Ingleside student also leaves school equipped for a world that extends far beyond traditional industries. EDUCATION ALIGNED WITH INDUSTRY Ingleside’s economic landscape is an educator’s dream: diverse, growing, and collaborative. Local employers—from oil and gas refineries to offshore construction, marine transport, and renewable energy companies—regularly partner with the district to align workforce needs with classroom pathways. “Just down the road, we have Signet Maritime, which operates the tugboats that guide tankers carrying LNG and oil in and out of port,” Kilgore explains. “They’re now building two electric tugs, which shows how fast this industry is evolving.Then there’s Kiewit Offshore Services, one of the world’s largest builders of offshore oil platforms. Many of our graduates start careers there as welders, fabricators, or millwrights.” The district works closely with the San Patricio County Economic Development Committee to anticipate regional trends and connect students directly to opportunity.“We meet regularly with local industry leaders,” Kilgore says. “They recognize that we’re developing their future workforce.” That collaboration led to a new millwright program created in partnership with the local community college.“Companies told us that the skill set was in high demand,” he explains. “Within a year, we had the program up and running.” CAREER EXPLORATION FROM THE START While most districts introduce career planning in 271 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 INGLESIDE ISD
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