RIBBON CUT ON NEW JEFFERSON HIGH, DISTRICT 6 CTE CENTER

The first-ever Career and Technical Education Center in Greeley-Evans School District 6 and a new Jefferson High School were officially opened this week at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

The two schools share a campus at the intersection of 14^th Avenue and 2^nd Street in Greeley, a site that was previously occupied by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Although not part of the original 2019 bond projects, this new and renovated building was paid for through proceeds earned during the sale of the bonds, and was added to the funded projects two years ago after the approval of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.

“I have never seen our students more excited to go to school,” said Jefferson High School Principal Larry Green. “This facility says a lot about the district’s commitment to equity, and ensuring all students have access to the best learning spaces.”

The new Career and Technical Education Center is open to all District 6 students, and includes five new CTE Programs: Cosmetology, Information Technology with an emphasis on cybersecurity, Construction Trades with an emphasis on electrical, Teacher Cadet and Welding.

“We are so excited about the opportunities this center will give to our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “The voters of Greeley and Evans who supported our Bond Issue and Mill Levy Override are the reason this center is here. We are so grateful.”

The new 53,406-square-foot facility cost about $29.5 million to construct the new building and renovate one of the former CDOT buildings.

“People are always asking, ‘Why aren’t you training students to enter the trades,’” said Board of Education President Michael Mathews. “I can tell you that we are doing just that in District 6, and that Career and Technical Education is alive and well.”

The former Jefferson High School at 1315 4^th Avenue has been remodeled and renovated, and is now the new Jefferson Junior High School. In addition, the building will house other District 6 programs including the Transitions Program, Audiology Program and Child Find.