Among the many programs offered to students in the Warren County R-III School District, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs continue to drive success and create pathways toward a professional future.

Warrenton junior Lillee Carriker, who is a part of the district’s CTE teaching program, said that the things she’s learned in the program go well beyond anything she could put to paper in a simple exam.

“Career technical education provides students with (the) necessary career, academic, and soft skills needed in the workplace,” Carriker said. “Some skills that I have developed while being in this program include critical thinking, citizenship, and ethical leadership. I have also learned about new research tools that have allowed my creativity and innovation to flourish when creating lesson plans and incorporating my teaching skills into them.”

The programs offered through CTE enable those enrolled to learn high-demand, hands-on skills and to achieve a clear advantage in their educational future.

It aids students, regardless of future plans.

The program helps those enrolled who not only plan to attend a college or trade school, but also aids graduates in direct entry into the workforce upon graduation.

At the district’s Oct. 9 board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith gave his report on the state of the CTE program. In the report, he noted a 14.4% increase in students attending the Four Rivers Career Center – the district’s off-site location for CTE training – over the past three academic years.

“After reviewing our numbers, we are seeing a slight increase in the number of students taking courses at Four Rivers,” Klinginsmith said. “At our high school, we are still seeing strong demand for programs in agriculture, business and marketing, and family and consumer sciences.”

The superintendent added that the high school offers programs in agriculture, business/marketing, family and consumer sciences, information technology, journalism, and Project Lead the Way. At the same time, agriculture IT, FACS, business/marketing, and Project Lead the Way are offerings at Blackhawk Middle.

In courses offered at Four Rivers, the construction program is up to an enrollment of 34 students, while all other courses – computing, auto, medical and Project Lead the Way have maintained a steady enrollment.

In CTE courses offered at the high school, enrollment in agriculture classes has increased to 249 students, and business/marketing is up to 722 students. IT remained steady with 55 students, while journalism (64 students) and PLTW (50) have experienced a slight decrease in enrollment over the past two school years.

“The district is continuing to prepare students for college and the workplace,” Klinginsmith said. “We’re seeing an increase in construction trades. Ag (agriculture) and business are still staying strong. Our goal is to continue to work with local agencies. We want to explore opportunities for career and technical opportunities for our students in the Warrenton area.”

Warrenton High principal Shelly Struckhoff added that she sees the virtues of the program and how it helps her students enrolled in the program earn real-life skills.

“CTE programs give students hands-on experience, real-world problem-solving skills, and the confidence to pursue their future goals,” Struckhoff said. “Whether they choose college, trade school, or enter the workforce, CTE helps them build a strong foundation for success and strengthens our local community in the process.”

At the middle school level, IT class enrollment has increased while all other course offerings have seen a slight decrease in enrollment for the first semester of the 2025-26 school year.

“Middle School changed the way courses are offered,” Klinginsmith said. “That makes it a little harder to track the course (enrollment). Their numbers are experiencing some fluctuations due to schedule changes and the new organization of courses. The new organization is designed to give students more flexibility in their schedules.”

As he closed his presentation, Klinginsmith added that he recently toured the career and technical education center at St. Charles Community College.

“They have a nice facility and it would be very accessible to our students,” Klinginsmith said. “It is something we may wish to look at in the future.”