Mancos School District Launches Groundbreaking CDL Program to Prepare Students for High-Demand Careers

The Mancos School District (MSD) has taken a significant step forward in career and technical education by introducing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program aimed at equipping students with essential job-ready skills. According to a pair of articles from the Mancos School District’s website, this innovative initiative, which began in January 2025, offers students the opportunity to earn their Class A CDL certification, opening doors to lucrative careers in transportation and logistics.

A Strong Start: The First Cohort’s Journey

On January 24, 2025, four senior students embarked on their CDL certification journey as part of MSD’s inaugural cohort. Under the expert guidance of Transportation Director Bart Small and Superintendent Todd Cordrey, students received hands-on instruction and comprehensive preparation for their permit tests. The program also included on-site Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals administered by Dr. Opie Hainey to ensure students met the required health standards.

The behind-the-wheel training, a crucial component of the program, was made possible through partnerships with Eclipse DOT and Dailey CDL Solutions. Students practiced their driving skills using a 2016 International truck generously donated by Piggyback Towing and Transportation. Additionally, Tucker Trucking Co. of Cortez contributed a trailer and $5,000 to support the program.

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the students successfully completed their written and practical exams, officially earning their Class A CDL certification. As the district stated, “This CDL course is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the district’s commitment to providing students with meaningful career-readiness opportunities.”

A Growing Initiative with Community Support

The success of the first cohort has fueled the expansion of the program, with a second cohort set to begin on March 21. The district’s commitment to workforce development is evident in its efforts to sustain and grow the initiative. MSD has applied for additional grant funding to ensure that more students can participate in this invaluable career-training opportunity in the future.

The program’s impact extends beyond just the students—it is a testament to the power of community collaboration. The generous contributions of local businesses and district staff have made this program possible, significantly reducing costs for students. While the full program is valued at $8,000 per student, donations and partnerships have covered most expenses, with students contributing only a small fee for testing and physicals.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Eclipse DOT, Dailey CDL Solutions, Dr. Opie Hainey, Piggyback Towing and Transportation, and Tucker Transportation Inc. for their contributions, which have provided funding for training, testing fees, and instructional resources” the district acknowledged on its website. “An additional thank you needs to go out to our district staff: Transportation Director Bart Small, Superintendent Todd Cordrey, Registrar Tiffany Aspromonte, and CTE/Grants Director Janet Fogel. They have each equally supported this program in addition to their daily workload to see these students succeed.”

A Bright Future for Career Readiness

The CDL program represents a vital step in MSD’s ongoing commitment to providing students with practical skills and career readiness opportunities. By equipping students with CDL certifications, the district is helping them secure stable, well-paying jobs with potential for long-term growth and advancement. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of industry partnerships and hands-on learning in preparing students for the demands of the modern job market.

With the program set to continue every spring semester, MSD looks forward to celebrating the achievements of future cohorts and expanding opportunities for students to thrive in the workforce. 

“We are excited to see this program thrive and look forward to celebrating the successes of our first cohort,” the district stated.