Bond Progress: Trustees review conceptual plans for new CTE Center

Trustees received an update on the planning and design process for the district’s future Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center at the June school board meeting. The construction project is a key initiative included in the voter-approved Proposition B in the Bond 2025 program.

The district selected Stantec as the project’s architectural firm. At the board meeting, district leaders and Stantec representatives shared concept plans that were developed through an extensive engagement process collaborative planning process. The report emphasized the strategic approach conducted through a series of facility tours of various CTE centers across the state and stakeholder meetings. 

The project planning phase involved district leaders, CTE teachers, students, staff and members of the local business community. All of their work led to the conceptual plan shared with trustees. Stakeholder feedback helped identify priorities for the facility, including opportunities for student innovation, excellence, collaboration and real-world learning experiences that prepare students for future careers.

The new CTE center will be located on property the district already owns at 14th Street and Don Floyd Road, immediately north of the Multi-Purpose Stadium. The proposed first phase includes more than 125,000 square feet of instructional and lab space designed to support expanded career training opportunities for students. Plans include growth in both the number of programs offered and the overall space dedicated to CTE learning at one location. The expanded footprint creates opportunities for additional programs, including emerging fields such as drone and aviation studies.

The conceptual plans feature specialized learning environments, industry-focused training areas, collaborative gathering spaces, and opportunities for community engagement through public-facing programs and services. The center will be strategically positioned on the property to accommodate future expansion as student enrollment and workforce programming needs continue to grow.

District leaders also shared plans for a future academy model at the new center that would provide students with enhanced opportunities to engage in career-focused learning pathways and industry-connected experiences. 

The report concluded with a budget update that showed the project remains on schedule and within the voter-approved Proposition B budget. Planning efforts will continue over the coming months as the architectural firm works with district leaders and stakeholders, moving from conceptual plans into the design phase which will take several months.

Trustees expressed excitement about the progress of the project and its potential to expand career training opportunities for Midlothian ISD students while strengthening connections between education, industry and the local community.