AISD wants to expand career programs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin school district needs input on several scenarios that would create opportunities for more kids to explore career paths.

Right now, more than half of the high school students in the district take classes geared toward careers such as law enforcement, culinary arts, video and film and hospitality.

The problem is, not every program is offered at every school. The district has come up with four scenarios to change that.

It basically boils down to either creating a North and South Austin hub, or just one Central Austin spot where kids would spend half a day and then return to their home campus for regular classes.

Another option is to put magnet programs on various campuses. Each scenario would serve between 4,000 to 5,000 students.

One of the scenarios names Lanier High School as a possible North hub and Crockett High School as a South hub.    

If that happens, both campuses would undergo renovations which would take bond money.

There were not a lot of parents at a public meeting held Wednesday night at Bowie High School where the plans were laid out.

Students in some of the programs were on hand to share their experiences, including kids participating in the culinary program. Right now it is offered at three south Austin high schools, but none north.

"So those students if they were interested in pursuing a career in culinary -- they would have to transfer to one of the south schools and provide their transportation to that school," said Annette Gregory, Executive Director of AISD's Career and Technical Programs.

Click here to take the AISD survey.

The district will analyze results and share the feedback with the school board Monday night.