Riverside Local reports CTE building nearly complete, weighing VR partnership and community open house

District leaders told the committee that construction work on the new career and technical education (CTE) building is nearly finished and that programs will begin moving in over the next few weeks.

"The CTE building is pretty good...the TVs are mounted," an unidentified district administrator said, reporting that finishing touches remain and that construction and healthcare spaces will be ready for classes soon. The district said advanced manufacturing equipment is still pending, and that teachers in construction and other programs are eager to begin using the new open space.

Board members discussed holding a board meeting in the new CTE space as a way to 'tease' the facility in January and to plan a larger evening open house for the community in February after equipment arrives. Administrators said they would coordinate technology readiness checks with John Renwick and review furniture needs before moving classes.

District staff also described exploratory talks with a virtual-reality company to provide anatomy instruction and other career simulations. An unidentified board member said a VR headset solution could offer anatomy experiences and simulated work environments that would otherwise require expensive single-purpose equipment (for example, a virtual autopsy table). "When they actually put on a headset, they actually see the body and kinda pull with your gesture...it's really, neat," a board member said, describing the vendor's demonstration.

Officials said they will finalize open-house timing once equipment delivery is clearer and will coordinate communications (including video) and logistics for a potential board meeting in the new space.