WISD Thanks Voters for Supporting Career Technical Education Millage
The millage will generate $25 million to sustain and expand career-connected learning experiences
Washtenaw County, Mich – Constituents of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) have approved the countywide Career Technical Education (CTE) millage in the November 4, 2025, election. This funding will provide a sustainable local source of support for CTE programs, helping schools maintain and update existing programs and technology, expand equitable access to students across all communities, provide earlier exposure to career pathways, and strengthen connections with industry and postsecondary partners to meet skilled workforce needs.
“This millage will eliminate barriers and expand access to purposeful, hands-on, applied and experiential learning in every school district across Washtenaw County, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to voters on behalf of our schools and students,” stated WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman. “We are extremely grateful for the trust our community has placed in us. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners in this work to build a transparent, countywide framework that benefits PreK-12 students in all districts and strengthens our region’s talent pipeline.”
The WISD will continue working with local school districts, area business and industry, and other key partners to develop a plan for expansion in the immediate and long-term future. Students and families can expect to see additional CTE-related opportunities as early as the 2026-27 school year, including expansion of programs currently piloted this school year such as the Drone and Aviation Technology program, BEST Leadership entrepreneurship capstone, and a middle school experience called From Curiosity to Career.
“This investment by our community will help shape a generation of hope,” said Dr. Ryan Rowe, WISD CTE Director and CEPD Administrator. “Our goal is for every student to cross the stage at graduation with an informed and inspired plan for what comes next, whether it’s college, an apprenticeship, the military, or a high-skill career. This funding allows us to build stronger pathways, connect learning to the real world, and help students see their future within reach.”