Western Board expands career and technical options with Pathway to Prosperity Program

By Editor | January 27, 2026 |

At its regular January meeting, the Western CUSD Board of Education approved the Western Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity Program, which is designed to significantly increase student access to career and technical education opportunities. The program establishes a relationship with Hannibal Public Schools and allows Western students to take classes at the Hannibal Career and Technical Center. Western students would also have the option to pursue programs offered by the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center. Thai photo shows Western Superintendent presenting information about the new initiative at a special community forum held January 7. (Submitted photo)

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE

Western High School is preparing to roll out a significant overhaul of its career and technical education opportunities, setting the stage for students to access a wider range of hands‑on training beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The expanded offerings are being billed as the Western Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity Program.
At last week’s regular January Western Board of Education meeting, Board members formally approved the establishment of the new Pathway to Prosperity Program.
In addition, Board members approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Hannibal Public School District, which will allow Western students to enroll in career and technical programs at the Hannibal Career and Technical Center (HCTC) in Missouri.
The district will also continue to support Western students who wish to study career and technical offerings at Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC). Expanded enrollment of Western students at HCTC and QAVTC will fall under the new Western Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity Program.
In addition, the Board authorized Superintendent Darin Powell to form a steering committee to develop the procedures and protocols for the program.
The formation of the committee was prompted, at least in part, by input from faculty members concerned that they had not been adequately involved in the decision-making process that had led up to the decision to establish the Pathway to Prosperity Program and to begin sending Western students to Hannibal for technical classes.
Western teacher Ali Oitker expressed her desire for faculty to be more involved in the planning and implementation of the Pathway to Prosperity Program at the December Western Board of Education meeting.
Oitker indicated that the plan to send Western students to Hannibal for career and technical education was first publicly presented to teachers and members of the community at the district’s October board meeting.
“We request that a committee of stakeholders – including staff members, students, and community members – be formed to research, discuss and to make a recommendation to the Board of Education,” Pitker said during the public comment portion of the December Western School Board meeting.
“This is precedent that has been set by this school district and by this administration that committees are formed to look at policy changes.”
To help fund the enrollment of Western students in career and technical education programs aat HCTC and QAVTC, Western has accepted a $20,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation to help launch the Western Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity Program.
The board initially planned to approve the partnership with the Hannibal Public School District in December but delayed the vote after teachers raised concerns about logistics, costs, and potential impacts on graduation requirements. A community forum held in early January allowed residents and staff to voice questions and shape revisions to the plan.
In other business, the Western Board approved a WJHS freezer bid of $26,826. In addition, the Board approved WJHS bathroom renovations and WHS/WES flooring renovations at a cost of $84,559 for summer 2026.
Finally, following closed session, the Board approved the personnel report as follows:
Approved the hire of Destiny Lynch as a Paraprofessional at the Western High School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Accepted the resignation of Stefanie Rennecker as the Assistant HS Volleyball Coach for the 2026-2027 season.
Accepted the resignation of Lindsay Meyer as the District Concessions Manager effective March 16, 2026.
Accepted the resignation of Michelle Kendrick as a 0-3 Parent Educator effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.
Accepted the resignation of Tyler Patterson as a Volunteer Assistant HS Volleyball Coach for the 2026-2027 season.