MetroED, the largest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County is committed to serving the educational needs of its diverse high school and adult populations. Annually we assist more than 14,000 students in obtaining the skills needed to be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to our society.

The Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) was created by six school districts to take advantage of economies of scale to provide high cost career training programs for students from 37 high schools. CCOC offers 29 diverse, standards-aligned programs taught by credentialed instructors with practical industry experience. These programs provide 178 days of concentrated curriculum, three hours per day for a total of 534 instructional hours. These are capstone CTE programs with facilities and equipment that are state-of-the-industry.

High school students can earn college credits or advanced placement in six local community colleges if they attain a grade of “B” or better. In 2008-09, 66% of our students went on to post-secondary education. CCOC is a unique educational program that provides students with pathways and tools to be successful in both career and college.

The Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP) provides classes for adults that are convenient, accessible, and have flexible schedules to meet the family and work needs of adults. The courses range from basic skills in math, reading and writing, English as a Second Language (ESL), adult high school diploma to Career Technical (vocational) certificate programs.

Due to the state’s economy, in January 2011, the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) Board voted to take $3.5 million of the $5.3 million annual state adult education funding that went to provide services for adults. The decision came after several months of input from MetroED students, partners, staff, and community members. The cut to MAEP’s budget is effective July 1, 2011.

MAEP will continue to serve adult students in the SJUSD geographic area and has consolidated its programs at the Metropolitan Adult Education Center, 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose. In preparation, staff has renovated and upgraded older buildings on the Hillsdale campus to add nine additional classrooms. Even though the programs have been downsized, MAEP will continue to provide outstanding service to the community and its students.

Both CCOC and MAEP are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation affirms quality of instruction and assures that coursework taken at our schools for credit will be accepted by the other institutions, including colleges and universities.

As Superintendent and leader of this organization, I am committed to ensuring our administrative team, teachers and classified support people are ready and capable of making MetroED a better place for our customers, students and employees.