Career/Tech Education Consolidation Possible By Sarasota School Board

Several programs that deliver career and technical education services to K-12 students and adults in the Sarasota County School District may be reorganized under a plan proposed by Superintendent Lori White.

White has recommended that Todd Bowden, the current director of the Sarasota County Technical Institute, Suncoast Polytechnical High School and the Adult and Community Education program, also assume executive responsibility for the district’s Career and Technical Education programs for middle school and high school students.

The proposal for reorganization will be presented to the School Board on Tuesday during a work session. Bowden’s appointment is scheduled to be on the School Board agenda Dec. 4

Under the recommended plan, Bowden will become the Executive Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education and will report directly to Superintendent White. A specialist will be assigned to manage the CTE program.

CTE classes are offered in middle schools and high schools to help students identify areas in which they might be interested in further study, to help them connect their strengths and interests to career pathways. CTE students can earn industry certification, postsecondary certificates and credit toward college degrees. Courses focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses.

CTE programs are implemented at the schools where they are offered. The CTE Department provides support for the operation and the implementation of CTE programs.

Bowden taught math and business technology at the middle school and high school levels before beginning his career as an administrator. He served as a high school assistant principal from 2000-2004 and was principal of an adult technical center and an adult high school in Hillsborough County from 2004-2007. He was appointed director of SCTI in 2007.

He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. He also is an adjunct instructor in the USF Manatee Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Development.

Superintendent White said she has confidence that Bowden will do an outstanding job.

“Dr. Bowden has the perfect combination of instructional leadership experience, business acumen and passion for career education that we need to take our CTE programs to the next level,” she said.

Bowden said he is excited about the opportunities the consolidation of career and technical programs will provide career-oriented students.

“As the Director of the Sarasota County Technical Institute, I have been privileged to work with many outstanding community organizations and employers as we address the workforce development needs of Sarasota County,” he said. 

“I am extremely grateful to our superintendent and School Board for the support and trust that they have given me. I am excited by the opportunity this new position presents to emphasize career, technical, and adult education in our school district.”