New CTE Center Project
Kent ISD Plans Second CTE Center in Caledonia
The site is the home of old Dutton Elementary building
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Kent ISD is expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities with plans to build a second CTE center to serve more students. The expansion is needed to meet the continued demand for CTE experiences from students, parents and employers throughout Kent County and beyond.
“By creating a second CTE center, Kent ISD will be able to provide more access and opportunities for high school students to participate in career-focused, hands-on learning that can be life-changing,” said Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Gorman. “Building the new center with the potential to house nearly a dozen programs will allow us to serve hundreds more students and will help us meet a strategic goal and a goal of CareerPrep 2030, to double the number of students in Career and Technical Education by the year 2030.”
Kent ISD currently offers nearly 30 CTE programs where students get hands-on experience in high-tech labs at Kent Career Tech Center. Additional Kent ISD CTE programs are offered at Davenport and Grand Valley State Universities, West Michigan Construction Institute and Next Step of West Michigan. Each of these programs prepares students for success in careers and college, and many provide opportunities to earn professional certifications. Many programs currently have extensive waiting lists as capacity cannot keep up with demand.
In January, the Kent ISD and Caledonia Community School’s boards approved plans for Kent ISD to purchase the site. Pending final closing of the sale, Kent ISD will build a new CTE center at this location, currently home to the old Dutton Elementary School building, which will be demolished to make room for the new CTE center.
Information and answers to frequently asked questions about the project will be available throughout the development of the new CTE center on Kent ISD’s website.
Please direct media inquiries to Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist at 906.632.6290.
FAQs
- Why is Kent ISD planning a new CTE center?
Kent ISD is planning for long-term student needs, including enrollment trends, capacity challenges at Kent Career Tech Center, and significantly increased demand for CTE programming. We’ve expanded options throughout the area via partnerships with school districts and community organizations, but need to increase capacity beyond these partnerships to meet the need. Building a new center directly aligns with our strategic plan goals and CareerPrep 2030 goal of doubling the number of students in our area experiencing CTE and CTE-like opportunities by the year 2030. - Why was this specific location chosen?
The site was chosen based on factors such as location, size, CTE demand, access to programming, population growth and projections, and more including long-term needs. Multiple options were reviewed before this site was selected and acquired. - When will construction begin?
We are hoping to break ground in the fall of 2026, however plans for the new building need to be finalized prior to construction starting. In addition, the site that was purchased includes an old elementary building. That building needs to be demolished and the land prepared prior to construction. - How will this be paid for?
Funding for the property and new center comes from multiple CTE funding sources including the ongoing, countywide CTE millage and our CTE fund balance reserves, and resolution bonds. - Will there be attendance boundaries or changes to attendance boundaries for Kent Career Tech Center?
There are no boundary limitations or changes planned at this time. However, students who attend districts near the new center may be more likely to attend due to convenience. - How will this affect the surrounding neighborhood?
Kent ISD is aware of community considerations such as traffic, safety, and land use. These factors will be studied carefully as planning continues, with opportunities for input. - How can the community provide input?
Anyone with questions, comments, or concerns are encouraged to contact the planning team via Let’s Talk. - Where can I find updates?
Updates will be posted on Kent ISD’s website and shared through a variety of Kent ISD communication channels including our community newsletter and social media.
