In this episode of Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor welcomes Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career & Technical Education at Grand Forks Public Schools. Drawing on nearly three decades in CTE as both an educator and administrator, Eric shares how career and technical education has evolved from a program once viewed as an alternative pathway into an essential opportunity for every student.
Eric discusses the importance of instructional coherence, industry partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration in designing meaningful CTE experiences. He also explains how Grand Forks' new regional CTE center is expanding equitable access for students across rural North Dakota while preparing them with the transferable skills needed for today's workforce and tomorrow's careers.
Key Moments
01:45 Making CTE a pathway for every student
04:31 Building stakeholder-driven CTE programs
06:45 Opening a regional CTE center
08:28 Designing programs around student outcomes
10:02 Preparing students for an AI future
11:24 Why transferable skills still matter
12:47 Expanding access through regional partnerships
14:30 Blending online and hands-on learning
15:43 Master scheduling across multiple districts
16:33 Flexibility for regional collaboration
17:50 Keeping students at the center of decisions
Why You'll Love This Episode
This conversation explores how career and technical education can transform opportunities for students by connecting classroom learning with real-world careers. Eric shares practical leadership lessons on building strong industry partnerships, creating equitable access across rural communities, and designing CTE programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, apprenticeships, military service, and beyond.
Whether you're leading curriculum, expanding CTE offerings, or strengthening workforce readiness, this episode offers valuable insights into creating programs that truly serve every learner.
Connect with Eric Ripley | Executive Director of Career & Technical Education
Grand Forks Public Schools
Website: https://www.gfschools.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hardy-98478051
Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/
NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eripley
About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.
What is Beyond the Box?
Beyond the Box is a next-generation educational publisher that empowers school districts to take control of their curriculum like never before. Unlike traditional publishers, which offer one-size-fits-all solutions, NovoDia custom-builds state-aligned curricula tailored to your district’s unique needs and preferences.