THORNTON – The “oohs” and “ahhs” were frequent as members of the district’s Community Bond Oversight Committee got a recent first look inside the new Riverdale Ridge High School STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, one of three new additions under construction this summer at each district high school.
The biggest reactions for the nearly 48,000-square-foot facility were reserved for the massive culinary kitchen where students will learn to create their own food and the high-bay welding lab where students will use the latest tools to fabricate materials.
“My first reaction is absolutely amazing. It’s a fabulous building,” said Kevin Kerber, a Community Bond Oversight Committee member. “The programs that are going to be provided to our kids are unbelievable.
The centers, all on schedule to open for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, will enhance already successful STEM and CTE programming within each school and offer unique, new programming.
About the new STEM and CTE Centers
27J voters prioritized expanded STEM and CTE opportunities for students through the approval of the 2021 Bond Program, which provided money for the construction of the new high school centers. Each center will accommodate between 300-350 students – increasing the opportunity for students to experience STEM and CTE learning by more than 1,000 seats districtwide and, by expanding facilities for the most popular and most successful programs, the district can better serve students interested in earning industry certifications or earning college credit, setting students up for whatever post-secondary education pathway they choose.
About the Bond Oversight Committee
The 11-member Community Bond Oversight Committee monitors the progress and successful completion of bond projects, in alignment with promises made to the 27J community, and monitors the expenditure of funds to ensure resources are used efficiently and appropriately.
About the 2021 Bond Program
In November 2021, 27J voters approved a $515 million dollar bond to build, renovate and address maintenance needs in our fast-growing school community.
In addition to new STEM and Career & Technical Education centers at each high school, the program also builds new elementary, middle and high schools and support facilities to relieve overcrowding throughout the district. Additional investment will address needed safety and security upgrades, technology infrastructure improvements, provides resources to address needed deferred maintenance projects that protect the community’s school investment, and builds a transportation facility on the north end of the district.
Thank you, 27J Schools community, for helping us build strong schools for strong communities.