Laura Jones Receives State Career & Technical Education (CTE) Award

Laura Jones, Pasco School District’s (PSD) Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has been honored with the Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award by the Washington Family & Consumer Sciences & Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE). This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional contributions to the advancement of CTE in Pasco and beyond.

ACTE, the nation’s largest not-for-profit association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers, evaluates candidates based on their contributions to teacher and student success, innovations in CTE, and leadership within the CTE community.

Laura was nominated by Barbara Scully, Family & Consumer Science teacher at Chiawana High School, and Katie Engel, PSD’s CTE Assistant Director. In her nomination letter, Katie Engel highlighted Laura’s exceptional leadership and her unwavering commitment to CTE, stating, “Laura inspires those around her and is a servant leader. She tirelessly supports staff, students, and the broader community, ensuring that everyone has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.”

Under Laura’s leadership, Pasco School District has made significant strides in achieving its strategic goals, including ensuring that all students graduate with a clear career path and a sense of hope and purpose for their future. Laura has played a pivotal role in planning and preparing for the district’s two new high schools, set to open in Fall 2025, which will offer a wide range of CTE opportunities in fields such as Engineering, Manufacturing, and Health Sciences.

Laura’s dedication to her staff is evident in her efforts to provide industry-level training, establish new courses, and create valuable partnerships with businesses to ensure that classrooms are innovative and equipped to meet the needs of the workforce. She has also been instrumental in improving the safety standards of CTE programs and advocating for student engagement through Work-Based Learning opportunities and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO).

“Laura works tirelessly to do what is best for students and staff,” Katie Engel wrote. “She is passionate about providing valuable options for students and ensuring her staff feel supported and valued. We are incredibly fortunate to have her leading Career & Technical Education within Pasco School District.”