Education at Work: Local Schools Preparing Mason County’s Next Generation
The Chamber’s September luncheon brought together Olympic College, Shelton School District, and Hood Canal Schools for a look at how local education is preparing students for future careers and strengthening the connection between schools, employers, and the Mason County workforce.
Dr. Chantae Recasner, new president of Olympic College, opened the program by sharing her vision for a resilient and sustainable college, with a particular focus on strengthening Olympic College’s presence in Shelton. She described resilience as the ability to recognize and anticipate changing needs while adapting strategies and operations without compromising an organization’s mission, vision, or values. For Olympic College, that means continuing to respond to the needs of students, employers, and the community while building opportunities throughout Mason County.
A major part of Dr. Recasner’s vision is deeper engagement with local employers. She emphasized the importance of hearing directly from businesses about workforce needs, emerging skill gaps, hiring challenges, and future opportunities, with the goal of making sure educational pathways reflect the realities of today’s workplace and the needs of tomorrow’s economy. She identified healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, maritime industries, business, technology, and emerging sectors as areas where Olympic College can work alongside employers to help residents access family-wage careers while helping businesses develop and retain the talent they need. Recasner also identified sustaining health sciences expansion and invigorating service in Shelton as two of the college’s priorities moving forward.
Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee followed with an update on student achievement and the district’s continued focus on preparing students for life after graduation. The district’s presentation looked at its journey from “Shelton Then” to “Shelton Now,” examining student outcomes and the practices that can continue to shape student trajectories. Third-grade students meeting the standard in English language arts nearly doubled, from 25% in 2022 to 48% in 2026, while the percentage of ninth-grade students on track for graduation with six or more credits increased from 73.1% in 2022-23 to 82.3% in 2025-26.
Jessee also highlighted the district’s Career and Technical Education programs, which provide students with academic, technical, and employability skills through hands-on learning, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and pathways connected to high-demand careers and postsecondary education. Shelton School District launched a successful 20-hour internship program. That program boasts more than 60 regional business partners, creating opportunities for students to gain experience in the workplace while giving local businesses a role in connecting with future members of the workforce.
The district’s CTE programs give students opportunities to earn dual credit and industry-recognized credentials in areas including automotive technology, carpentry and residential construction, welding, robotics, computer science, marketing, digital photography, music technology, and web and graphic design. Over the past three years, CTE dual-credit participation has grown by 145%, while industry-recognized credentials increased by 406%, from 114 to 577. Work-based learning opportunities are also growing across grade levels. Between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, participation increased among sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with the number of seniors participating rising from 25 to 48 students. These experiences give students opportunities to connect their education with the workplace and explore potential career paths while still in school.
Dr. Lance Gibbon, superintendent of Hood Canal Schools, rounded out the program with an update on the district’s work and the community support behind its schools. His presentation highlighted several investments in student opportunities, including a $50,000 donation for outdoor education and ROOTS, a $25,000 music donation, and a $20,000 Farm to School grant. The district also highlighted its 2025 Washington State Education Support Professional of the Year awards.
Gibbon continued by sharing an overview of the district’s funding and capital resources. Hood Canal Schools’ “Dollars and Sense” update included a $16 million new capital levy, $6.5 million in cooperative state matching funds, a $150,000 ADA grant, a $200,000 Healthy Kids grant, and savings associated with the Tribe water tie-in and lighted trail projects. The district’s larger expansion and modernization work was also recently featured in Business Matters, where the Chamber took a closer look at the project and what it means for the community.
Across all three presentations, the connection between education and the local workforce was clear. Olympic College is looking to strengthen relationships with employers and align programs with workforce needs, Shelton School District is expanding career pathways and opportunities for students to gain industry experience, and Hood Canal Schools continues to invest in programs, facilities, and partnerships that support its students.
For local businesses, that connection creates opportunities to be part of the process. Employers can share information about the skills they need, provide students with work-based learning experiences, and help young people better understand the careers available in their own community. To learn more about how your business can engage with local schools, email the Chamber office or reach out to today’s speakers directly.
To learn more about the speakers and view the slides from the presentation, check out the resources below.
About our Speakers:
Dr. Chantae Recasner
Dr. Recasner is a higher education executive with two decades of experience in community colleges and public higher education systems, she is the current President of Olympic College. She has served as an interim president, vice president of instruction, and dean, with experience in institutional strategy, accreditation, budget oversight, enrollment management, and student success. A first-generation college graduate from New Orleans, Dr. Recasner has devoted her career to improving access and reducing barriers for students. She holds a BA in English from Loyola University New Orleans, master’s degrees from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Cincinnati. A former college athlete, she continues to enjoy playing and watching sports.
Email: president@olympic.edu
Phone: (360) 475-7100
Superintendent Wyeth Jessee
Wyeth Jessee is the Superintendent of Shelton School District. With more than two decades of experience in education, he is recognized for advancing student-centered systems and aligning academic support, counseling, special education, and English learner services to improve outcomes. Before leading Shelton Schools, he held senior leadership roles in other districts, including Seattle Public Schools, where he oversaw continuous improvement across 104 schools. In his current role, he emphasizes strategic planning, early literacy, and strong school-community partnerships. He is also the proud father of two daughters.
Email: wjessee@sheltonschools.org
Phone: (360) 426-1687
Dr. Lance Gibbon
Dr. Gibbon is Superintendent of Hood Canal School District, where he has served since 2023, and is beginning his 35th year in public education. His career includes roles as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, with more than a decade of experience leading school districts. Lance holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Seattle Pacific University. His career began in music education, and the arts remain an important part of his life and perspective on education and leadership. He also enjoys writing and blogging about education, leadership, faith, technology, and the experiences that connect schools and communities.
Email: lgibbon@hoodcanalschool.org
Phone: (360) 877-5463 ext. 202