Abilene Independent School District earned a Career and Technical Education District of Distinction honor from the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) for the second straight year, the district announced Oct. 23.
The designation appears on CTAT's 2026-27 honoree list and its 2025-26 list, confirming the district's consecutive recognition.
CTAT evaluates districts on programs of study, industry-based certifications, curriculum quality, business and community partnerships and student outcomes. The association recognizes districts that meet its standards for career and technical education.
AISD offers 12 career and technical education programs of study that prepare students for college or careers in fields requiring specialized skills, according to the district.
Students can gain hands-on experience and work toward industry-based certifications through the programs.
The association's program page describes the designation as a way to recognize districts that demonstrate effective career education practices and share those approaches with other schools.
The district's first-year honor drew formal recognition from the Abilene ISD Board of Trustees at its Dec. 8, 2025, regular meeting.
Director of Career and Technical Education Lucille Fullen told the board that the award "highlights the dedication of our teachers, our counselors, and our support staff who pour their expertise and passion into preparing students for real-world success every day," according to the district's board recap.
To qualify for the CTAT distinction, a district must have at least one career and technical education administrator who belongs to the association.
AISD is scheduled to receive formal recognition at the upcoming CTAT Winter Leadership Conference alongside other honored Texas districts.
