Roanoke County has kicked off the construction of its $75 million Career and Technology Center after five years of planning. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday, with local leaders, students, staff, and partners gathering to mark the beginning of the project on a 28-acre site along Peters Creek Road. Once completed, the new facility will provide expanded space for current programs and introduce new ones tailored to meet the growing needs of western Virginia’s business community.
Dr. Ken Nicely, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools, emphasized the impact of the new center, explaining that it will not only address the county’s immediate needs but also serve as a foundation for future growth. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the center will centralize the best programming, equipment, and opportunities, making work-based learning more accessible for students in one state-of-the-art location.
Students are equally excited about the potential the new facility holds. Ninth-grader Zefania Mebratu expressed enthusiasm for the new programs it will bring, while 10th-grader Cooper Ermel noted that the new center will create more opportunities and provide more realistic, hands-on learning experiences.
For educators like Chris Overfelt, a welding and motorsports instructor, the new center represents a full-circle moment. Overfelt attended the Burton Center as a student and is now looking forward to teaching in a more modern and advanced space. He sees the new facility as a chance to build on the 60 years of success the current center has achieved, with hopes that the new space will support students for decades to come.
The Career and Technology Center is set to take about two years to complete, with county officials targeting an opening by the end of 2026. Once operational, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce and meeting the needs of local industries.
