From bidding Fenwick farewell, to breaking ground at the Montessori field, … we’ve finally started rigging and digging construction for the new ACC building!

On October 23rd, I interviewed Mr. Mainor for an overview and updates about the new building for ACC. He is a member of the Building Level Planning Committee. First, a general overview of the building project (more details can be found on the Arlington Career Center Project’s page). 

You’re probably all wondering, why is ACC moving to a new building? It’s a part of the Superintendent’s improvement plan: a detailed document outlining past, current, and future goals for Arlington Public Schools. During the interview, Mr. Mainor talked about how long this building plan has been in place: “It’s been a long process over the years. This version of the building planning process started in 2019-2022,” right before he started working at Arlington Tech.

There are so many improvements that the ACC community can look forward to. For example, the new building will be much bigger, allowing more room for full and part-time students. If you look in the hallway between the main office and the stairwell, you’ll see blueprints for the new building as well as designed photos for what specific classes will look like. Also, something very interesting: NEW pathways will be implemented in addition to our current ones. They are the Health & Medical Sciences Pathway, Human & Public Service, Digital Media & Information Technology, and the Industrial Service & Engineering Pathway. 

Mr. Mainor shares his thoughts on transferring to a new building: “I’m very excited. It should be state of the art. We listened to our teachers and staff’s opinions for what they needed in the new building.” It’s important to note the input our staff had in the new building, making sure it will provide the best environment for teachers to teach. ACC is a great school, with an even greater future, furthering its engagement with and for the Arlington community. He also mentioned the immense benefits we’ll have in the new building. 

For Cosmetology, the new space will allow students to run an actual salon for members of the community. For Automotive classes, they will be able to run a car repair shop for people of the school and community to come to get their car worked on. While the parking situation at ACC and the Montessori school isn’t fun right now, there will be a brand new parking lot in the building behind the current ACC. Culinary and PEP students will get an ACC cafe, a cute restaurant run by our own teachers and students!

Think of the experience this will provide for students. So many classes already give students the opportunity to earn certificates for their respective classes. This already makes it so they can become legitimate experts in their field, and now they will get constant hands-on experience through school. These amazing opportunities truly put the Career in Arlington Career Center.

While construction for the new building did start a little behind schedule, the opportunities the new building will provide are worth the wait. Also, I’m sure you’ve all seen the giant crane at the construction site. We’re all very excited to see the growing progress of our future home. Be sure to check the ACC Craneicle, I mean Chronicle, for quarterly building updates!