I am writing to express my support for the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Career Technical Education and Career Pathways program, and specifically Joe Messina, the current president of the Hart district board, and original champion of the CTE program. So, what is the CTE program and why is it important?
CTE programs represent the kind of forward-thinking education our students need as they prepare to enter an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing workforce. Today, Hart district students can pursue pathways in areas ranging from engineering and skilled trades to health care, information technology, fire science, media and the arts. The district now offers 25 CTE pathways across 13 industry sectors. Even more impressive, the number of students completing a CTE pathway more than doubled — from 600 in 2023 to 1,288 in 2025.
The vision behind Hart’s CTE expansion was, in large part, the brainchild of Trustee Joe Messina, who recognized that our definition of educational success needed to be broader than simply preparing every student for a four-year college. He understood that students have different talents, interests and goals, and that our schools should provide meaningful pathways for all of them.
That vision has become a tremendous success.
Is the Hart district still actively supporting students on a rigorous, “A-G” college prep plan? Of course! Is the district increasing participation in the Advanced Placement tests? Yes, in fact, the district’s participation and scores have increased! But one of the reasons the U.S. News and World Report has named the district as one of the nation’s best is because the district has made it a mission to meet the needs of every kind of student, and take away any of the stigma that may have been previously associated with “The Trades.”
The CTE approach is especially important given the realities of today’s workforce. Mike Rowe, founder of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation and a leading advocate for skilled-trades education, recently pointed to 7.6 million open jobs in America, noting that most do not require a four-year college degree. He has highlighted the disconnect between the demand for skilled workers and the number of people prepared to fill those positions.
Hart’s Career Pathways program is helping address that disconnect. It tells students that success does not come in only one form. For some, the right path may be a university degree. For others, it may be a technical certification, skilled trade, or another hands-on profession. And importantly, CTE does not close the door to college — it can be a bridge to college, career and both. Preparing students for those opportunities is not an alternative to a quality education. It is an essential part of one.
As we enter election season, we should recognize Trustee Joe Messina for having the vision to champion this approach to make career readiness a central part of the district’s educational mission. Joe is running for re-election in Area 5.
Karen Frost
Saugus
