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Plano ISD Leaders Break Ground on Career & Technical Education Center

November 19, 2024

Plano ISD trustees, administrators, community members and partners broke ground on the district’s new Career & Technical Education Center today, Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

plano isd school board with dr. williams

Plano ISD Board of Trustees breaking ground for the Career & Technical Education Center.

The 150,000 sq. ft. center, located at the intersection of Alma Drive and W. Park Boulevard, is part of the voter-approved 2022 bond and will offer students the academic and relevant technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to prepare them for further education and careers in current or emerging professions. The center will feature real-world learning spaces and equipment for students in grades 9-12. The estimated $72.2 million center will be home to 17 CTE programs with offerings such as:

  • A student-staffed Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) Smart Branch Bank, which will include one full-time CUTX employee, as part of a new partnership with Plano ISD
  • TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy
  • Cybersecurity (as part of a recent donation from Toyota Motor North America)
  • Culinary Arts program featuring a restaurant that will be open to the public
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Arts, Audio/Video and Communications programs
  • And many other programs

Rendering of CTE Center

Rendering of the Plano ISD Career & Technical Education Center.

“We are delivering on a promise to prepare students for the future,” said Plano ISD Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams. “This new CTE Center symbolizes progress, collaboration and our shared vision for the future. The center will be a key part of our Plano for Your Future initiative, providing us with a new and innovative way to inspire today’s learners to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Dr. Williams speaking at podium.

Plano ISD Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams speaking at the podium.

As future labor trends change, the center’s building plans will allow for expansion and adaptations based on workforce needs.

“The new CTE Center is proof of our community’s belief in the importance of career and technical education,” said Board President Nancy Humphrey. “Our community gave a big thumbs up to invest in this project. That is a huge vote of confidence in our vision to give our students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.”

Board President Nancy Humphrey speaking at podium.

Plano ISD Board President Nancy Humphrey speaking at the podium.

In addition to unveiling the new partnership with Credit Union of Texas to launch a Smart Branch bank, the Plano ISD Education Foundation also thanked Toyota Motor North America and TONI&GUY for their contributions to the CTE Center. 

District executive leadership team tossing dirt for groundbreaking ceremony.

Plano ISD Executive Leadership team break ground for the CTE Center.

“We’re excited to partner with Plano ISD to bring financial literacy directly to students in an innovative, hands-on way through our fifth SMART Branch,” said CUTX President & CEO Eric Pointer. “Credit Union of Texas was started by educators, and we’re proud to continue that legacy by providing students with tools for a brighter financial future. This project is so much more than just another branch.  It represents a hub for student empowerment.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

cte center renderings

Exterior and interior renderings of the Plano ISD CTE Center.

During the Groundbreaking Ceremony, The Education Foundation also announced a $1 million donation from NexPoint Philanthropies over the next five years to support programming and strategic initiatives in support of Plano ISD students, families and staff. $500,000 of those funds will be used to support CTE programming in advanced manufacturing. The other half will support key Foundation programming like Grants to Educators, Employee Crisis Fund, the CORE Store and more.

Plano ISD Education Foundation members

Plano ISD Education Foundation members break ground for the CTE center.

“Each of these partnerships highlights the strong connections between our Education Foundation and Plano ISD with local industries and organizations,” said Plano ISD Education Foundation Senior Executive Director Brittnea Ussery.  “They are investing in our students’ futures and helping to build a skilled workforce that will drive innovation and economic growth in our region.”

“The future of our workforce relies on a diverse range of skills and educational pathways, and Plano ISD has been at the forefront of equipping its students for success in these critical areas,” said Lucy Bannon, NexPoint Chief Communications Officer. “By supporting Plano ISD’s CTE and STEM initiatives through the Education Foundation, we are investing in programs that prepare students for a wide spectrum of careers. These opportunities go beyond traditional four-year degree programs, offering multiple paths to success in high-demand, high-growth industries. Together, we’re building a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and economic competitiveness in our region for years to come.”

hard hats and shovels with bows.

Image of hard hats with shovels on groundbreaking site.