Taunton Public Schools announced that Taunton High School has been awarded a $1.1 million state grant to expand and modernize its Career Technical Education (CTE) programming.
The funding will support the continued growth of the school’s Construction Craft Laborer program through equipment purchases and major facility improvements designed to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.
For Taunton High School, the award represents the largest competitive grant in district history and a significant investment in students and workforce development.
“This is a proud moment for Taunton Public Schools,” School Committee Chair Donna Chaves said. “This funding strengthens our ability to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for both careers and postsecondary opportunities.”
The grant includes approximately $330,000 for industry-standard equipment and $770,000 for the construction and expansion of instructional space for the Construction Craft Laborer program, which is currently in its third year of Chapter 74 approval.
The construction portion of the project will fund a large metal instructional building equipped with heat, electrical service, plumbing, sprinklers and restrooms. The expanded space will support additional hands-on instruction and allow students to train using industry-standard tools and equipment in a real-world learning environment.
Planned equipment purchases include a backhoe loader, skid steer or compact track loader, tool carrier, power screed and additional light construction and hoisting equipment.
“This investment allows us to expand access to high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that reflect the expectations of today’s workforce,” co-CTE directors Darla Hartung and Michael Raposa said. “Students will have more opportunities to build real skills using industry-standard equipment.”
Superintendent John Cabral said the grant also reflects the continued strength and growth of career technical education programming at Taunton High School.
“Taunton High School has built exceptional Chapter 74 programs within a comprehensive high school setting,” Cabral said. “Today, more Taunton students are enrolled in Chapter 74 programs at Taunton High School than attend Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School. This investment continues to strengthen opportunities for students to pursue high-quality career and technical education right here in Taunton.”
The grant was awarded through a statewide Career Technical Education expansion initiative announced by Gov. Maura Healey. The funding supports schools across Massachusetts as they expand career technical education programming, create additional student seats and modernize instructional spaces and equipment.
District leaders credited the work of several staff members whose planning and collaboration helped secure the award, including Darla Hartung and Michael Raposa, co-CTE directors; Tim Clark, coordinator of grants; Dr. John Harrison, principal of Taunton High School; and Carolyn Blennau, assistant principal for teaching and learning at Taunton High School, along with the full CTE Department team.
“This type of competitive grant requires vision, coordination and deep technical expertise,” Cabral said. “We are grateful to the educators and staff whose efforts helped bring this opportunity to our students.”
The investment will provide students with access to more authentic, real-world learning environments and tools that reflect current industry standards. It also positions the district to expand access to high-quality CTE programming for students interested in career pathways and skilled trades.
Taunton Public Schools continues to focus on preparing students for success after graduation by strengthening career pathways, building industry connections and ensuring students graduate with the skills and experience needed for today’s workforce.