Berkeley County approves lease to launch cosmetology CTE program at former beauty‑school site

Berkeley County Schools voted June 15 to lease a turnkey cosmetology facility at 2011 West King Street in Martinsburg so it can begin a cosmetology career and technical education pathway for the 2026–27 school year.

Under the two‑year lease (with an option for a third year) the district will pay $3,250 per month and will be allowed to use the existing cosmetology equipment that remains in the space. "Previous lease was right at $5,000 — we were able to negotiate a price of $3,250," said Mr. Pack, who briefed the board on outreach and student interest.

The program design presented to the board includes a two‑year hair stylist pathway for rising juniors from four county high schools and a one‑year nail technician pathway for rising seniors. District staff said the hair program is structured so students can accumulate the roughly 1,000 training hours required for state licensure while completing high‑school graduation requirements. "There are 26 hair stylist stations available," Mr. Pack said; district leaders noted students do not all need to occupy a station simultaneously to count toward required hands‑on hours.

District staff reported strong early interest: more than 40 students used sign‑up QR codes at school presentations and counselors are reviewing schedules to ensure participants remain on track to graduate. The cost of the lease and startup will be charged to secondary block CTE state funding, staff said. The board approved the lease by motion; discussion covered scheduling, transportation and how the district will manage required practice hours and state documentation for licensure.

Superintendent Dr. Saxs described the opportunity as a practical way to expand CTE while the district’s larger CTE center remains a longer‑term project. The district will continue to align staffing, security and technology before students begin classes at the leased site.