Public education has evolved far beyond the traditional three r’s – readin’, ritin’ and ‘rithmetic.

At La Conner Schools three other letters – C, T and E – are helping spell success for students.

CTE is the abbreviation for Career Technical Education, an increased district emphasis the past few years, most notably Daniel Castillo’s home construction class that is building a tiny house.

The program’s mission hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The La Conner Rotary Club donated $1,000 to the district’s CTE curriculum, gratefully accepted by school board members at their Feb. 27 h...