Ground breaking for the long envisioned SMJUHSD Career Technical Education Center/Ag Farm is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, August 6.
The center will allow for a variety of student projects with numerous animal pens, livestock corrals, barn and farming land. The CTE area will have workshops, classrooms, commercial kitchen and a pavilion.
The 25-acre property, which is north of the Elks Rodeo Grounds and east of Highway 101, will accommodate about 500 students and staff.
School, elected and community officials plan to say a few words about how the project will engage student readiness.
“The new CTE Center and Ag Farm campus will have a tremendous impact on our students and the Santa Maria Valley for generations to come,’’ said SMJUHSD School Board President Diana Perez. “It’s really an exciting historic time for the students, staff, community and the rest of the school board members. I can’t wait to see how these facilities will benefit kids.’’
Construction, which recently started and is expected to be completed by December 2019, has an estimated cost of $19.9 million. It’s paid for through C-2004 Bond Funds and Measure H of 2016.
Elsewhere, District CTE courses at Santa Maria, Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Delta high schools will all be connected to industry clusters including Arts, Media & Entertainment – Information & Communication Technologies – Energy, Environment & Utilities – Health Science & Medical Technology – Architecture & Engineering – Business & Finance – Manufacturing & Product Development – Agriculture & Natural Resources – Hospitality and Recreation & Tourism.
“I am thrilled to see more Career-Tech Education facilities being built on the Central Coast,’’ said Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham. This facility will provide students with so many more opportunities during their time in school and beyond. With CTE permanently funded in the state budget, I expect many more projects like this one will be able to come to fruition.’’