A poll of parents and students evaluating the demand for a diocesan career technical education school revealed strong support. Now Bishop Michael F. Burbidge is asking the faithful to complete a follow-up survey, intended to guide what form such a school should take.
The first survey, conducted May 22-June 8, generated thousands of responses, with 92% of parents favoring the establishment of a proposed CTE high school. The new survey that is available in English and Spanish and closes Nov. 23, asks for feedback on several potential school models and locations in the diocese.
“I consistently hear from the people of God a desire for a Catholic approach to career and vocational education in our diocese,” Bishop Burbidge said.
Meitler, a Catholic school consulting firm, is assisting the diocese with survey research and analysis. The trade school idea originated with the development of the diocesan Strategic Plan, which in initiative No. 8, calls for “a feasibility study to create a diocesan vocational/technical school to broaden access to Catholic education by including career and technical programs in our school system.”
Proposed curriculum pathways under consideration for boys and girls include agriculture, construction trades, health science, hospitality and tourism, and logistics and transportation. With a commitment to integrating Catholic identity, the school could serve as a beacon of faith-driven, career-readiness education.
“As we evaluate and prayerfully consider the best approach to advancing this important priority, I sincerely hope that the faithful participate in our diocesan survey,” Bishop Burbidge said. “The results of this survey will provide crucial insight that will help shape the future for generations to come.”
Find out more
To take the survey, go to bit.ly/4hkAiCJ
