ANDOVER — On Friday, Feb. 28, Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) welcomed key state and municipal officials to campus for a Legislator’s Breakfast.
The event was hosted by GLTS’ talented Culinary staff and students. It served as a platform for Superintendent John Lavoie to express gratitude to local legislators and elected officials from the four sending districts for their unwavering support of Greater Lawrence Technical School.
Superintendent Lavoie personally thanked these leaders for their critical contributions to securing necessary funding, advocating for career and technical education (CTE) programs, facilitating grant opportunities, and supporting legislation at the state level. Their ongoing efforts are essential to the continued growth and success of GLTS and its students.
During his presentation, Superintendent Lavoie addressed the ongoing need to increase access to vocational technical education, particularly in light of the high demand for seats at schools like GLTS. He emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for students and community members in Massachusetts, where vocational programs are increasingly essential for workforce development.
The Superintendent highlighted several exciting developments, including the upcoming Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, which is currently under development and is expected to open in Fall 2025 — pending FAA approval this spring, followed by final approval as a Chapter 74 CTE program from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He also shared plans to potentially introduce additional CTE programs, such as Veterinary Science and Animal Science, in collaboration with the MSPCA in Methuen. Moreover, he is exploring opportunities to secure additional space off campus to expand health career programs, which remain in high demand among students and employers in the region.
A key topic of discussion during the event was the proposed admissions lottery. Superintendent Lavoie shared his perspective on why maintaining specific admission criteria is vital in preserving GLTS’ mission of preparing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local employers and supports a thriving regional economy.
“I feel very fortunate to have the legislative leadership in our district that gives unwavering support to GLTS and supports vocational education across the state,” Superintendent Lavoie stated. “Our legislators are always happy to hear about the growth and expansion of new programs here at GLTS, and how they can contribute to our continued success by creating more opportunities for our students and community.”
As a result of the conversation regarding admissions and increasing access to CTE, Superintendent Lavoie is coordinating a future meeting with legislators to share some of his ideas and continue this dialogue.
The event concluded with a tour led by Superintendent Lavoie, where several attendees visited cutting-edge programs, including Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Metal Fabrication, HVAC, and Automotive Technology. This hands-on experience allowed the officials to witness firsthand the incredible work being done at Greater Lawrence Technical School.
GLTS deeply appreciates the continued support from its legislators and is excited to work together to build even more opportunities for its students and the community.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.