Citrus County Schools

Superintendent's Message

Career and Technical Education: Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders—Starting Today

Each February, school districts across the nation celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, recognizing the powerful role CTE plays in preparing students for success in life. This year, however, I want to start the conversation early. Preparing students for the future doesn’t begin in February, and it certainly shouldn’t begin in high school.

One of my core commitments as Superintendent, and what I talked about on the campaign trail, has been to ensure that students are exposed to career possibilities earlier, helping them see connections between what they are learning today and the opportunities available to them tomorrow. I am proud to say that commitment is already becoming reality across Citrus County Schools.

This January, we are launching “Toolbox for Tomorrow’s Leaders” at Inverness Middle School—an engaging, eight-week after-school program designed to spark career curiosity at a critical age. Each Thursday afternoon, students meet local industry professionals, participate in hands-on projects, and learn employability skills that will serve them no matter which path they choose. This program helps students explore real-world careers while discovering the middle and high school courses that align with their interests. Inverness Middle School Chargers are leading the way, and this is only the beginning.

As we look ahead to CTE Month in February, our commitment to preparing students with future-ready skills reached new heights in 2025.

Citrus County Schools continues to offer robust and diverse CTE opportunities, with 63 Career and Technical Education courses, 41 industry certifications, and more than 24 programs of study pathways available to high school students. Currently, 2,297 students are enrolled in CTE pathways across our district. These programs include the Academy of Computer Science at Citrus High School, the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, the Citrus High School Construction Academy, and in-school pathways such as agriculture, culinary arts, drafting, business, and more. Each program is designed to provide hands-on, practical experience, empowering students to make informed decisions about their futures.

In June, the School Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Space Florida, launching the Space Florida Academy in Citrus County. This innovative initiative aligns our aerospace, construction, and cybersecurity programs with Florida’s rapidly evolving space workforce. Students now have access to co-branded credentials that showcase their skills to global industry leaders; opening doors to high-demand careers right here at home.

Looking ahead, Withlacoochee Technical College has proposed an aviation maintenance program offering Airframe and Powerplant training in just 18 months. This program would connect local talent to careers starting above $60,000 and integrate seamlessly with our high school CTE programs and the Space Florida Academy. It also provides veterans and adult learners with a clear pathway to economic mobility.

Our healthcare pathway has also seen significant growth. In July 2025, we finalized a three-year agreement with TGH Crystal River to support the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. This $300,000 investment provides students with clinical observation opportunities, access to clinics, and direct pathways into healthcare careers. Additionally, $1.04 million in Florida State legislative funding, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, will further expand our healthcare CTE offerings.

Citrus County Schools is also proud to partner with Withlacoochee Technical College to offer dual enrollment opportunities in programs such as Automotive Service Technology, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Electricity, HVAC, Medical Administrative Specialist, Nursing Assistant, Technology Support Services, and Welding Technology. These opportunities allow students to earn high school credit while working toward industry certifications, career certificates, or associate degrees.

Career and Technical Education pathways offer students more than job training; they offer confidence, purpose, and choice. By bridging academic learning with real-world application, CTE empowers students to pursue their passions and thrive in a dynamic workforce.

As we approach CTE Month this February, I am proud of the progress we have made and excited about what lies ahead. Promises made to our students and families are becoming promises fulfilled. We will continue working every day to ensure Citrus County students are prepared for whatever future they choose.

Dr. Scott Hebert
Superintendent, Citrus County School District

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