Katy ISD invests in commercial drivers license program for students

Starting in fall, Katy ISD will offer a commercial drivers license student training and licensing program to 11th grade students who will turn 18.

According to a March 3 press release from the district, the program is a partnership with Katy ISD’s Raines Academy and Rio Grande Valley Services.

The average salary for a truck driver is $81,999 per year, per employment website Indeed. Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski said in the release the new program will provide students with free training—which could lead to job opportunities after graduation and assist with current supply needs.

“With access to one of the world’s largest ports serving the region, the state of Texas and the United States, along with multiple warehouses in the Katy area, this program is an excellent opportunity for our students to explore this lucrative career locally,” Gregorski said.

The Raines Academy CDL program will provide training and licensing for Class A certifications with no additional endorsement, or Class A with a Class B passenger and school bus endorsement. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, one or more of six endorsements may be necessary for transporting goods, depending on the cargo.

The district will host information sessions across its high school campuses in late March. Tour dates, times and locations are as follows:

March 29

• 8:30 a.m.: Mayde Creek High School
• 11 a.m.: Morton Ranch High School
• 1 p.m.: Taylor High School

March 30

• 8:30 a.m.: Jordan High School
• 11 a.m.: Seven Lakes High School
• 1 p.m.: Tompkins High School

March 31

• 8:30 a.m.: Paetow High School
• 11 a.m.: Katy High School
• 1 p.m.: Cinco Ranch High School

An interest survey is currently being conducted and can be found here.