King George County Schools presented a preliminary plan to build a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center that would house six relocated programs and add cosmetology and culinary arts, with the stated goals of expanding hands-on learning, industry certifications and community partnerships.

"A new CTE Building would provide opportunity for growth and expanded opportunities for our students as we move into the future," instructional lead Miss Capel said during her presentation, listing cosmetology and culinary arts as two proposed additions and naming agriculture, criminal justice, drafting, health sciences, welding and ROTC as programs that could be relocated to the new facility.

Capel cited student survey results: more than 400 high-school students expressed interest in cosmetology, and more than 500 indicated interest in culinary arts. She also referenced regional labor data showing growth in hospitality and personal-care industries. Capel said the board of supervisors had endorsed exploring a new building and that program choices would drive the architect’s design.

Several board members said they supported a new facility but questioned the initial program mix. "I don't think we should be moving 6 classes because that's what we have now to free up space in the existing school," said Mister Frank, urging the board to prioritize trades such as plumbing, electricity, HVAC and diesel mechanics that can produce family-supporting wages quickly. Mister Bush and other members called for more research and visits to nearby CTE centers so the district can align offerings with local workforce demand and available funding.

Miss Capel and staff welcomed that feedback and described next steps: staff will gather additional data, coordinate stakeholder outreach, visit regional CTE programs and provide programming guidance to the architect once program decisions are finalized. The county administrator is expected to issue an RFP in the new year to hire a term architect; board members said program decisions should be ready to inform that procurement.

No formal vote to approve a final program list or a building contract occurred at the meeting. The presentation and Q&A served as an early-stage, public planning conversation as the district moves from feasibility into program definition.