Roanoke County officials and community leaders break ground on new career and technology center
Salem, Virginia – Earlier this week, on September 9, 2024, Roanoke County marked the beginning of a transformative project with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCTC). With nearly a hundred people in attendance, including school and community leaders, staff, parents, and students, the event celebrated the official start of construction for the state-of-the-art facility, which will replace the existing Burton Center for Arts & Technology in Salem. The project, expected to last just over two years, is anticipated to be completed between late fall 2026 and early winter 2027.
A Vision Becomes Reality
“What began as a vision five years ago, today officially becomes reality. We break ground today and look forward to the site and beautiful new building taking shape over the next two years,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ken Nicely, expressing the excitement shared by the entire community.
The $75.8 million project will create a modern facility featuring more than 123,000 square feet of instructional space, which is about 34,000 square feet larger than the current Burton Center. The new RCCTC will provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for students across Roanoke County’s five high schools, supporting a wide range of career and technical education (CTE) programs.
A New Era of Educational Excellence
The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from several notable leaders, including Dr. Lisa Coons, Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, who praised the project’s potential to enhance educational opportunities. “I’m really honored and excited that Roanoke County has taken this step to make sure the very best cutting-edge opportunities are available for all five high schools,” said Dr. Coons.
Dr. Coons emphasized the innovative spaces and opportunities the new center will provide, allowing students to explore and hone their skills in areas that align with their passions and career aspirations. “It’s a great opportunity, and there are so many innovative spaces that we can be in now, and so many innovative opportunities that our children are going to have the opportunity to explore, experience and hone-in on really what they really want to do,” she added.
Brent Hudson, chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the long-term impact the new facility will have on the community. “It’s a wonderful day to be a Roanoke County student. For generation after generation, this building is going to serve so many kids. It’s going to create jobs for kids right here in Roanoke County,” Hudson said.
Building the Future of Career and Technical Education
Roanoke County Public Schools is widely recognized as a leader in Career and Technical Education within Virginia. Dr. Nicely noted that the new RCCTC will help elevate these programs to the next level. “In this next chapter that has now officially begun, we are working with regional partners to take CTE programs and training opportunities to the next level by providing a modern facility in which students not only learn knowledge and skills and earn industry-recognized credentials, but also acquire ‘opportunity ready’ skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, citizenship, and critical thinking that employers demand in today’s workforce,” he said.
Principal Christian Kish of the Burton Center for Arts & Technology echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact of the new center. “Today, we break ground on more than just a building. We break ground on a future filled with opportunities for learners,” said Kish. “Let’s all continue to work together with passion and dedication to ensure that the Roanoke County Career and Technology Center is the standard for educational excellence, progress, and innovation for generations to come.”
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil North expressed pride in securing the funding needed to bring this ambitious project to life. “This is an exciting day for Roanoke County. I’m proud that we were able to secure funding for our school system, ensuring the educational needs of our students,” North stated.
The new RCCTC promises to set a new standard for career and technical education, offering students a dynamic environment to prepare for the demands of the modern workforce.
