Specialty technical high schools, called JTED's, Joint Technical Education Districts, are bracing for budget cuts set to kick in July 1, 2016. But new bills in the legislature this year hope to restore funding.
There are several different JTED's throughout the state of Arizona, where students can learn how to fix up cars, take welding classes, and enroll in medical or veterinarian programs.
West MEC in Glendale has aviation technology programs, where kids learn how to inspect and maintain aircrafts.
"Coming here and finishing this, I'll be ahead of most of the people my age," said senior Keaston Johnson
Many of the students hope to get certified and find a good paying job right after high school. Some kids have gone on to work for major airlines after school, making upwards of $60,000 a year.
"I want to become an aircraft mechanic and get hired at an airport,” said senior Leslie Sosa.
In last year’s state budget, Governor Doug Ducey cut the funding for JTED's by about $30 million. That is 45 percent of the $70 million the state pays them now.
"We will go away," said West MEC superintendent Gregory Donovan. "These programs will cease to exist."
Under the governor's proposal these tech schools would compete for a $10 million a year grant
"Ten million is not 30 million," said Donovan. "That is just to stay even. These are not new dollars. These are just stay even dollars."
The cuts are set to go into effect by July, but a Senate Bill 1258 hopes to restore the money.
The Governors office sent ABC15 a statement, saying:
“Governor Ducey believes in the value of career and technical education, which is why he’s put forward a new $30 million investment in this area. As the budget process unfolds, he’s open to any good idea that funds these critical programs and ensures we have a balanced budget. The governor's budget team is traveling the state to present the details and get feedback from Arizona citizens. We are also working closely with the Legislature.”
