The new state budget approved earlier this year included cuts to career and technical schools called Joint Technical Education Districts, or JTEDs.
They serve high school students and offer programs in areas such as fire science, cosmetology and electronics. Like other school districts, JTEDs generally rely on state support — although they also get donations from industry, including equipment.
Stephen Weltsch is director of Curriculum and Instruction & Student Services for West-MEC, which serves districts in the West Valley.