PLANTING SEEDS EARLY: CTE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin views the district’s role as preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce, beginning in the earliest grades. “We are in the process of developing and designing elementary number nine,” Neatherlin says. “And for us, we’re looking at what that is going to look like for our district. We are designing career and technical education programs into our next elementary school. We don’t want to start late in high school—we want to start early. And so, we’re going to start creating opportunities for our kids to be able to take that initiative from the get-go.” Neatherlin emphasizes that this approach is tied to the local economy. With advanced manufacturing expected to be a major employer, Hutto ISD wants to ensure students are not only college-ready but also career-ready. This means providing them with exposure to technical skills and problem-solving mindsets at a time when curiosity is at its peak. STEM Nation events, hosted in partnership with Temple College and local universities, draw huge crowds from across the community. “It is so incredibly well attended,” Neatherlin notes, recalling the excitement of students and families exploring technology, mechanics, and engineering. “The enthusiasm from parents and kids shows us this is the right direction.” By integrating these experiences at the elementary level, the district signals that career exploration is not just for teenagers but an essential part of learning from the very beginning. BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN CLASSROOMS AND CAREERS Hutto ISD extends learning beyond the classroom, with Neatherlin highlighting the district’s structured framework for building direct connections with local businesses. “We have what is called a career and technical education business partner framework,” Neatherlin says. “Essentially, businesses can partner with us as student interns, teacher interns, classroom supporters, or advisory board members. They scan a 225 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 HUTTO ISD
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