November 7, 2025 - Comal ISD has been named a 2026 CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) for the second year in a row. Only 71 districts received the designation which recognizes innovation, dedication and excellence in advancing career and technical education.
“We are proud to receive the CTE District of Distinction designation for the second year in a row,” says Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman. “This recognition demonstrates that we are on the right path when it comes to providing our students with the tools they need to be successful beyond high school.”
This honor is a testament to Comal ISD’s emphasis in expanding CTE opportunities for every secondary student in the district. Recently, the district’s College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) score increased to an 80. This is a 13-point climb in two years.
Another CTE success marker are the number of industry-based certifications (IBC) completed by students in various programs of study. This past school year, Comal ISD students earned 1,667 IBCs, an increase of almost 200 in two years. Examples of these certifications include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified EKG Technician (CET), Autodesk Associate AutoCAD and ServSafe food manager.
A big part of that increase is the work by 177 CTE teachers who bring their skills and experience into the classroom, offering hands-on assignments in addition to academic curriculum.
One of the exciting aspects of CTE is the need for community engagement and partnerships. This is an area where public schools and local businesses and industries find collaboration to be mutually beneficial.
According to CTAT, the emphasis on CTE programs impacts the local, state and national economy as more students complete high school with more than a diploma. They graduate with skills and certifications that qualify them for high-demand jobs.
Currently, the district offers CTE programs in agriculture, food, and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, audio/video technology, and communications; business, marketing and finance; education and training; health science; hospitality and tourism; human services; law and public service; manufacturing; science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and transportation, distribution, and logistics.
Anyone interested in partnering with Comal ISD’s CTE programs, may reach out to CTE Director Renee Martinez at [email protected].
Photo descriptions
-Graphic design is part of the arts, audio/video technology and communications CTE program at Comal ISD.
-Robotics is part of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics CTE program at Comal ISD.
-Welding is part of the manufacturing CTE program at Comal ISD.