Wylie ISD students earned 2,365 industry certifications during the 2025-26 school year, a 25% increase. The surge helped the district land its second consecutive Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction honor.
The Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) named Wylie ISD one of just 94 districts statewide to receive the designation for the 2026-27 school year, the district announced. The award recognizes districts for workforce readiness programming, industry partnerships and student achievement.
The numbers behind the recognition are concrete. During the 2025-26 school year, 8,654 students enrolled in CTE courses across 23 programs and 110 course offerings. Seventy-four students qualified for national or international competitions through Career and Technical Student Organizations, and about 1,500 students participated in the district's 12 CTE clubs and organizations. Seventy-six percent of CTE teachers bring industry experience to their classrooms.
"Receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year speaks to the quality of our CTE programs and the opportunities we're creating for students," said Leslie Dodson, executive director of secondary curriculum and CTE for Wylie ISD. Dodson said the district's goal is for students to graduate with practical skills and credentials that give them a head start after high school.
Two new practicum courses debuted for the 2026-27 school year: Practicum in Health Science – Exercise Science and Practicum in Entrepreneurship – Real Estate.
The F.O. Birmingham Trust, a Wylie-based organization, continues to fund industry-grade equipment, student certifications and competition travel, according to the district. Partnerships with area businesses also support the programs.
The district's CTE footprint is set to grow. The Marvin Fuller Career and Technical Education Center is scheduled to open in August 2027 at the F.O. Birmingham Agriculture Center. The facility will house programs in advanced animal science, advanced floral design, HVAC and advanced welding, plus an additional health science classroom.
The center's name honors Albert Marvin Fuller Jr., a founding member of the Wylie ISD Education Foundation who has served as president of the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees approved the naming at its Aug. 17 meeting. Fuller and his wife helped establish the annual Wylie Rodeo more than 30 years ago and have supported FFA students through livestock projects and the annual Wylie 4-H/FFA Sale.
The Fuller CTE Center is scheduled to open in August 2027.
