RRPS seeks community input to name new CTE Center
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RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Rio Rancho Public Schools is expanding its skilled trade education and opening up a new school catered to trade skills. This is all possible through a partnership with CNM.
Right now, students are going to CNM Rio Rancho to get those certification classes and in two years they’ll go to the Career Technical Education Center to get their high school education and trade school certificates.
First, the district is asking the community for help naming the new high school.
“The goal is that we have these students complete not only their high school diploma but also get that industry certification that allows them to have a sustainable career in whatever pathway they chose,” said Kristopher Johnson, the new CTE Center principal.
He said after conversations with industry leaders they saw a need for different trade school options and decided to move forward with the school.
Community members are encouraged to submit name suggestions for the new CTE Center before Sept. 15.
“It is 100% free for all RRPS students who enroll as CNM students,” he said. “It’s a unique situation where they are high school students, but they are also college students and that is kind of a draw for them but absolutely it is 100% free.”
Right now, a handful of kids are taking classes at CNM Rio Rancho while the school is getting finished.
“We are offering current RRPS students Computer Information Systems and Network Administration certificate pathway as well as Welding. We have about 16 students in the welding program right now attending classes at CNM Rio Rancho and we have about 20 students going through their Network Administration certificate pathway out there,” said Johnson.
Finding a name for the school is the next item on their checklist. Community members are encouraged to go onto the district website and submit their ideas.
The deadline to submit a name recommendation is Sept. 15. Then the district will present the ideas to CNM and the school board for a vote.
“The community has been very involved, whether it’s the parents, the students, industry partners in getting this process going so we felt it was very important for them to contribute,” said Johnson.