HCS & City announce plans for new central office and career tech academy

HUNTSVILLE, AL – A new central office and career and technical education academy are coming to Huntsville.

The Huntsville City Council unanimously approved an agreement to donate approximately 14 acres of property to Huntsville City Schools (HCS). The property is located at the intersection of North Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive.

In addition to a new central office, HCS also plans to build a new career tech academy at that location.

“We are grateful and we are committed to being good stewards of this gift which will ultimately benefit 23,000 students and this community,” said HCS Superintendent Christie Finley. “At this new center, we will be able to increase student participation, increase partnerships, expand program opportunities, and ultimately help build our workforce here in Huntsville.

As part of the agreement, construction is expected to begin within the next year. The building is tentatively scheduled to be completed by summer 2025 subject to supply chain availability. The district is currently planning to move into the new central office and for students to begin the school year at the new facility during the fall 2025 semester.

“From the research labs at Hudson Alpha to the production lines at Toyota, preparing today’s students to meet the challenges of tomorrow is critical to our success,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We’re excited to donate this property because strong administrative leadership, combined with a world-class career tech program, will produce positive impacts far beyond Max Luther Drive. No matter where these young men and women launch their careers, they can proudly say they are the products of Huntsville City Schools.”

The City of Huntsville will also donate $1 million to Huntsville City Schools for reimbursement when the project is completed. The school system will provide the city with $100 at closing for the purchase as part of the agreement. The land will be declared as surplus property at closing.

More than 5,000 students are currently enrolled in Career & Technical Education in HCS. HCS has approximately 20 career tech programs.