During the fall 2019 semester, we asked students in grades 6-12, to help us name the district’s new Career & Technical Education Center and Early Childhood Center.  Multiple names, along with the rationale for each, were submitted for consideration. As part of the request, students were to ponder possible names that would encompass the two programs which would be housed in one facility: The Career & Technical Education Center, available for students from both high schools and the Early Childhood Center for students aged three to five from across the entire school district.

After reviewing the names and narrowing down the choices with the Student Advisory Council, the district recommended naming the new building the Cedar Trails Exploration Center, during the USD 232 Board of Education Meeting on May 4, 2020. The name of this new building was approved by the BOE that same evening.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER: The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center will allow USD 232 to better serve the needs of high school students and the community. Our students need the opportunity to prepare for their future with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in career pathways. The CTE programming offered will help students connect what they are learning to the real world through a hands-on context. This will, in turn, will help them gain key skills to assist them in beginning a career after graduation. It is also a great way to explore career options and meet the people who work in them.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER: We believe a dedicated Early Childhood Center is the best way to provide high quality services for our youngest students. The Early Childhood Center will be connected to the new Career Technical Education Center. The Early Childhood Center would also create opportunities for high school students to explore education as a career pathway through the Career Technical Education programming.

The CTE Center, although a separate space, will be connected to the new Early Childhood Center as one overall facility. The anticipated completion of this new facility is August 2021.

> Learn more about the project.