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Board asked to consider relocating CTE hub to Riley Elementary site; district outlines a phased plan
Summary
District leaders proposed shifting expanded career and technical education (CTE) programming to the Riley Elementary site to create a larger CTE center; trustees discussed program benefits, transportation and funding pathways including state catalyst grants and industry partnerships.
Salt Lake City School District staff presented a proposal April 15 to designate Riley Elementary School as the district’s primary Career and Technical Education (CTE) center and to expand CTE offerings in three phases.
Superintendent Dr. Grant told the board the district is seeking to grow CTE capacity beyond the current space at the SLCC‑adjacent facility (the campus sometimes called “Slick” in discussion). District leaders said Riley is structurally well suited to host expanded CTE programs, has space for phased growth and would be easier to adapt than other unused elementary properties considered in the review.
Staff described a three‑phase approach: an initial relocation and repackaging of existing CTE classes into Riley’s classrooms; a second phase to add targeted equipment and lab space for advanced programs; and a third phase to develop larger specialized shops and industry‑grade labs (construction and virtual production were cited as examples). Staff estimated a build‑out to modern, “world‑class” levels could be in the tens of millions; the memo circulated to trustees referenced a planning ballpark up to about $30 million, pending architect estimates.
District staff pointed to possible grants and partnerships to cover costs. The state’s new Catalyst/Career Center grant program was cited as a likely funding source and staff said applications could be ready when the state releases the grant solicitation in coming months. Staff also noted interest from higher‑education and industry partners to provide equipment or program support; trustees encouraged strengthening those partnerships.
Board members raised questions about transportation and access: East High students would see modestly longer travel times to a Riley‑based CTE center than to the SLCC campus, while West and Highland travel times would be similar or slightly shorter, according to staff estimates. Trustees also asked staff to provide a detailed architect estimate, clarify current lease terms for the SLCC campus building, and identify the operational and capital funding plan before any final commitment.
No final decision was made. Trustees asked staff to return with architect‑driven cost estimates, a funding strategy that shows grant and partnership possibilities, and a plan addressing student transportation and special‑education access to CTE services.
