In response to a misleading article in the Tucson Sentinel (we’re not blaming Blake Morlock), we’d like to shed light on what is actually happening with this issue. We always have been an open, honest, transparent public school district and this is a duty and pledge we take seriously with the people of Arizona. A letter being circulated to our Member District Governing Boards contains fallacies and misinterpretations that we feel must be addressed. If you have questions or need more information, we’re always happy to talk.

Pima JTED Administrators Seek Input on Potential Bond

Across the nation, Career and Technical Education (CTE) is increasingly viewed not as an alternative to college, but as a vital pathway to high-demand careers in technology, healthcare, and the trades. Advance CTE reports that many states are boosting high school workforce-development funding to address skills shortages, and student interest continues to grow.

In Pima County, Pima JTED is evaluating solutions to meet rising demand. Central Campus enrollment has grown 77% in five years, and more than 400 students were waitlisted this fall. Member districts have also experienced a 16% increase in CTE enrollment and are seeking additional funding for industry-standard equipment and facility upgrades.

Pima JTED’s Administration is in the early stages of gathering input from member districts and the community on the possibility of a bond to support urgently needed CTE resources in Southern Arizona.

Key Points

  • No bond proposal is currently on the agenda. The Governing Board has not voted on calling a bond election, and the earliest a proposal might be considered is May 2026. Administration has shared preliminary concepts with the Board and member districts for discussion only.
  • Input sessions are underway. JTED leaders are meeting with superintendents and chief financial officers from all member districts to explore potential funding models, including bond amounts, allocation formulas, and priorities for CTE projects.
  • Innovative regional solutions are being explored. Superintendent/CEO Kathy Prather says member district leaders have already proposed promising ideas, such as high-tech regional centers at member school district locations that could be shared across satellite and Central Campus programs—an important consideration given JTED’s 12,000-square-mile service area, along with the possible infusion of tens of millions of dollars to specifically support satellite career and technical education equipment upgrades at member districts.
  • CTEDs cannot access state facility funding. By law, districts like JTED are ineligible for new facility or building renewal grants for building maintenance from the Division of School Facilities. With Arizona’s budget outlook uncertain and no legal obligation for the state to fund capital or the classroom site fund for any public school district, a bond could give voters the option to invest in proven programs that have been proven to raise student achievement, graduation rates, and college-and-career readiness.
  • Estimated cost to homeowners is modest. Due to economies of scale, a potential bond could cost about $15 per year per $100,000 in assessed home value—approximately $30 annually for the average homeowner. Superintendent Prather notes that for the cost of a few cups of coffee, Southern Arizona could gain hundreds of millions of dollars in state-of-the-art CTE facilities and equipment to strengthen the workforce and improve quality of life across the region.

Pima JTED Public FAQ: Clarifying Questions About Central and Satellite Programs, Growth, and Bond Discussions

Is Pima JTED proposing a bond election?

No. The Pima JTED Governing Board has not voted to call a bond election.
The District is in an information-gathering stage, sharing early scenarios with member districts and community stakeholders to receive feedback before any decisions are considered.

Would a bond only benefit the current number of students attending Central Campus?

No. Central Campus enrollment reflects facility capacity, not student demand.

Each year, hundreds of qualified students are turned away from central programs because space is limited.
Any future capital investment would help serve many more students by expanding capacity in high-demand fields such as:

  • Healthcare
  • Public safety
  • Information technology
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Aviation and aerospace

Calculating investment “per current student” is misleading because the number of students served would grow significantly with additional space and equipment.

Do students prefer satellite programs over central programs?

Not necessarily. Enrollment in satellite programs is high because:

  • They are available on students’ home campuses
  • They fit easily into students’ schedules
  • Some families face transportation challenges
  • Central programs have significant waitlists

Many students who want central programs cannot enroll because seats are not available.
Some specialized programs can only be offered centrally due to equipment, safety requirements, or industry certifications.

Satellite enrollment reflects availability and convenience, not a universal preference.

Did voters in 2006 approve a “decentralized” model for Pima JTED?

No. The 2006 ballot language did not require or define a decentralized model.

State law has always allowed JTEDs to operate a combination of satellite and central programs, and Pima JTED has followed this blended model since day one.
As workforce needs have evolved, some industries now require equipment and facilities that can only be delivered at a central site.

Is Pima JTED reducing support for satellite programs?

No. Satellite funding in actual dollars has increased as enrollment at high schools has grown.

Pima JTED continues to:

  • Expand leased-land programs located on high school campuses
  • Provide equipment, staffing, and instructional support at satellite sites
  • Increase satellite program capacity where demand exists

Exploring ways to expand central programs does not reduce the District’s commitment to supporting CTE opportunities across all member districts.

Is the District shifting away from satellite programs?

No. The District is committed to maintaining strong satellite programs while also addressing unmet demand for central programs that cannot be offered at high school campuses due to safety, size, or equipment needs.

Both program types are essential to serving a region as large and diverse as Pima, Santa Cruz, and Pinal counties.

Are member districts concerned that JTED is centralizing CTE opportunities?

Member districts have shared a variety of opinions and concerns—many of which are part of the normal, collaborative process of planning future CTE growth.
Open dialogue is expected and encouraged.

However, it is important to clarify that no decision has been made about any bond or capital project. The District is actively gathering feedback from districts, students, families, and industry partners.

Why is Pima JTED exploring capital needs now?

Student interest and regional workforce demand have grown rapidly, especially in:

  • Healthcare
  • Behavioral health
  • Engineering and technology
  • Skilled trades
  • Public safety

Many of these programs require expensive, specialized equipment or facilities not feasible to build at every high school.
The District is exploring options for meeting these needs equitably and responsibly.

How can community members get accurate information or provide input?

Pima JTED will continue sharing information through:

  • Board meetings (open to the public)
  • Community presentations
  • Stakeholder meetings with member districts
  • Online updates and FAQs
  • Opportunities for public comment

Community members are encouraged to participate and ask questions as the District continues gathering feedback.