As federal oversight of career and technical education shifts, the Cumberland County Board of Education has approved nearly $400,000 in new technology upgrades to support middle and high school Career and Technical Education programs.
According to a joint announcement from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, the agencies entered an interagency agreement on May 21, 2025 that established a new workforce development partnership.
Under the agreement, the Labor Department will take “a greater role in administering” Perkins V—the federal law that funds Career and Technical Education (CTE) equipment, technology, and program improvement—while the Education Department will continue to maintain leadership and oversight.
While districts will continue receiving their CTE allocations, the long-term effect of the federal transition remains unclear, prompting states and school systems to reassess how they plan for technology needs and credential-aligned coursework.
In an emailed statement to CityView, Chip Lucas, the district’s executive director of Career and Technical Education, said:
“CCS CTE currently utilizes a comprehensive local needs assessment to determine equipment and technology needs, which is also a Perkin V requirement. We will continue to align our purchases with our district’s strategic priorities.”
CTE Funding Rules and Restriction
Cumberland County Schools’ CTE purchases are funded through restricted state and federal allocations. They cannot be used for teacher salaries, general classroom instruction, athletics, construction, transportation, or school operations.
These funds may only be used for approved CTE purposes such as purchasing equipment, technology, and instructional materials that support career-aligned courses and industry-recognized credentials.
The two purchases approved at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting were made through the state’s 204A technology contract, which districts use for standardized pricing and pre-approved vendors.
North Carolina’s CTE Essential Standards also require districts to maintain tools and software that support pathways such as computer science, information technology, and digital design. As programs evolve, districts update equipment to ensure students can meet performance and credentialing requirements.
Cost Breakdown
The Board of Education approved two purchase agreements totaling $397,556.41:
Middle School Career Development Labs
140 HP ProBook laptops — $124,859.80
- Vendor: Netcom Business Solutions
- To be used for state-required career exploration modules
- Supports middle school Career Development coursework
- Includes three-year warranties and device setup
- Replaces older laptops that no longer met course needs
High School IT & Computer Science Programs
145 Lenovo Legion T5 desktops — $272,660.61
- Vendor: Y&S Technologies
- Includes Legion desktops, ThinkVision monitors, and keyboards
- Supports computer science, IT, Adobe Academy, and digital design
- Meets updated performance needs for programming, cybersecurity, and multimedia software
- Replaces older computer models phased out of high-demand CTE courses
The next school board meeting will be held Jan. 13.
Education reporter Dasia Williams can be reached at dwilliams@cityviewnc.com.