SUBJECT
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Consideration to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Laredo Independent School District - Cigarroa High School P-Tech Program and the City of Laredo to provide students with supervised, hands-on learning experiences aligned with construction, engineering, and skilled trades pathway. This MOU will be effective for one (1) school year, with the option to renew upon mutual agreement. There is no financial impact.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
Students will gain hands-on experience to fulfill the required hours for certification through the school’s program.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Policy 3.3.2 - Coordinate with educational institutions to align workforce training with industry needs (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 3.xx)
“Coordinate with educational institutions to align workforce training with industry needs.”
Relevance: The proposed MOU directly facilitates coordination between the City of Laredo and Laredo ISD’s Cigarroa High School P-Tech Program to align student training with real-world construction, engineering, and skilled trades pathways, fulfilling this policy in a direct and explicit manner.
Goal 3.3 - Strengthen and diversify the local economy and workforce (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 3.xx)
“Strengthen and diversify the local economy and workforce.”
Relevance: By providing students with hands-on, career-aligned training experiences, the MOU contributes to workforce development and diversification, particularly in high-demand skilled trades sectors.
Policy 7.1.4 - Support educational programs that promote career readiness and life skills (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.xx)
“Support educational programs that promote career readiness and life skills.”
Relevance: The P-Tech program’s experiential learning model directly advances career readiness by equipping students with practical skills and exposure to professional environments.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by directly advancing workforce development and educational collaboration goals. The partnership between the City of Laredo and Laredo ISD operationalizes Policy 3.3.2 through intentional alignment of academic instruction with industry-specific skills in construction, engineering, and trades. Additionally, it supports Goal 3.3 by contributing to a more skilled and diversified labor force, which is critical for long-term economic competitiveness.
The initiative also reinforces Policy 7.1.4 by promoting career readiness through supervised, hands-on learning experiences, bridging the gap between education and employment. Broader planning themes supported include economic development, education and workforce equity, and youth engagement, as the program creates structured pathways for students to access high-demand careers without financial burden.
The absence of financial impact further strengthens the initiative’s value proposition, enabling strategic advancement of Comprehensive Plan priorities through intergovernmental collaboration and resource sharing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council approves this item.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact.