DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — On Thursday afternoon, DeKalb County Schools announced it has received a large grant that will help them construct a ‘modern, state-of-the-art’ Career Technical Education facility.
The new 95,000 square feet CTE facility would serve students from across the county, including Fort Payne city students and will replace the current DeKalb County Technology Center.
“DeKalb County Schools has partnered closely with Fort Payne City Schools in this effort, reflecting a strong regional commitment to collaboration and student success. We would like to thank Superintendent Brian Jett and the Fort Payne City Board of Education for their continued partnership in career and technical education, which was needed for us to be considered for this grant. Together, both systems are working to close the skills gap, provide advanced training, and ensure Alabama students are ready for the opportunities of the 21st-century economy,” Lyles added.
School officials say that the center the system has been using has served students for more than 50 years, but it no longer meets the needs of the current career pathways.
DCS said enrollment at the center has doubled in recent years, “rising from 401 students in the 2021 school year to a current enrollment of 832 students for the 2026 school year.”
“This grant represents a historic investment in the future of our students and our regional workforce. Career Technical Education opens doors to high-demand, high-wage careers. With this new facility, we will be better equipped than ever to provide the skills and certifications our students need to succeed. This project will not only strengthen our schools but also support economic growth across Northeast Alabama,” Superintendent Wayne Lyles said.
The facility is estimated to cost around $40 million, and DCS said it will be located on a42-acre tract of land within the Rainsville Industrial Park, with the front of the building and entrance located off Carey Baker Lane behind the DeKalb 911 Building.
The system added that this location will be much safer for bus and student transportation.
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