HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 Board toured the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy as part of its study session Monday.

The 96,000-square-foot HCTEA opened in 2009, bringing both new programming and an expansion of existing programs. The district offered health sciences classes in the facility and students are able to get both their CNA and CMA certificates.

The facility also allowed for major expansions, including the more traditional automotive technology and auto body programs.

Travis Riebel, director of career and technical education, said the academy offers coursework in 12 career pathways. The programming draws students from 10 area high schools in about a 30-mile radius of Hutchinson, as well as Hutchinson Community College.

In cooperation with HCC, the academy offers 60 dual credit courses. By the time HHS students graduate, 51 percent of them have college credit through HCTEA dual credit courses or core classes such as mathematics and English.

Four programs have been merged with HCC over the years — auto collision repair, auto mechanics technology, machine technology and building trades. Typically, HHS sees some of its students walk across the stage at HCC’s graduation each May a week or so ahead of the high school’s graduation because those individuals have earned certifications in the merged programs.

Additionally, HHS and the academy was the first high school in Kansas to offer the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme.

The board normally meets at different district facilities once or twice during the school year to tour and hear reports on USD 308 programs.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board continued its series of information sessions on special education programming.