At the March 24, 2026 school board meeting, MISD Director of CTE Kristy Starkey gave an update on Career and Technical Education and The DEN, highlighting the district’s continued focus on preparing students for success beyond graduation through strong College, Career, and Military Readiness pathways.
Here are the highlights:
- The DEN (Discover, Explore, Navigate) opened this school year and has quickly become a point of pride for Montgomery ISD and the community
- The DEN has become a hub for the community, hosting 200+ events and welcoming more than 2,600 guests
- The facility reflects the support of the community, Board of Trustees, and staff in creating expanded opportunities for students
- Students have increased access to hands-on learning, with 10 of 14 Programs of Study at The DEN and 13 offered districtwide
- MISD continues to strengthen CCMR outcomes through dual credit opportunities with Lone Star College
- The district is utilizing the CCMR Insights platform to track student progress and provide targeted support
- MISD students earned 770 Industry-Based Certifications last year, gaining valuable, workforce-ready skills
- CTE programming continues to expand, including new courses for 2026-27 and the addition of Marine JROTC as a Program of Study
- Students are engaging in real-world learning across programs including culinary, automotive, healthcare, construction, and more
- Early exposure opportunities, including student tours and hands-on experiences, are helping students explore future pathways sooner
- The DEN continues to build a strong student culture centered on collaboration, pride, and ownership
- Community members can stay updated on events and opportunities at theden.misd.org and on Facebook @MontgomeryISDCTE
You can view the Full Presentation Here.
Watch the video of Kristy Starkey’s full presentation to the board here.