Jonesboro - Recently, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson toured Northeast Arkansas Career & Tech Center, visiting with staff, students, and local administrators. The governor visited each of the center's twelve programs of study during his visit.
Hutchinson addressed funding concerns prior to the tour. The governor noted that it is time to revisit funding for Arkansas' career and technical education centers across the state.
All funding necessary for center operation is derived from local school tuition and state career and technical education funding. Governor Hutchinson said that he was aware that state funds have not risen in well over a decade. Career & Tech Center Director Eddie Crain said state funding is actually decreasing as enrollment increases both locally and statewide.
During the facility tour, Governor Hutchinson spoke with numerous students about their post-secondary plans after high school graduation.
The governor noted in closing remarks to local media, that he was impressed with what he had seen during the visit and that the skills students attained while attending the center would lead to higher paying jobs and attract jobs to the state.
Charisse Childers, Arkansas Department of Career Education Director, met with NEACTC administrators following the tour to discuss the changing landscape of career and technical education in the state.