August 26, 2025

New Career Technical Education Building Opens at Groves High School

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System inaugurated the new Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) building at Groves High School, aimed at enhancing training in Aviation Maintenance and Logistics. Key regional partners, including Gulfstream Aerospace and Savannah Technical College, attended the ceremony. The modern facility will support various educational programs for students pursuing high-demand careers in aviation, emphasizing the importance of skilled workforce development in the region.

Savannah, GA – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System celebrated the official opening of the new Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) building at Groves High School, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in Aviation Maintenance and Logistics pathways. The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by key officials from Gulfstream Aerospace and Savannah Technical College, signifying strong partnerships aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation.

This innovative project, which is financed through a special penny education sales tax in Chatham County, represents a focused investment in career technical education. The CTAE building is designed to accommodate current and future students, fostering a skilled workforce necessary for industries demanding specialized knowledge and training, particularly in aviation.

Enrolled students in the Aviation Maintenance program will receive high school-level certifications along with opportunities for secondary-level technical certifications. By the 11th grade, students can also enter a dual enrollment program with Savannah Technical College, enabling their transition into the workforce directly after graduation. Notably, Gulfstream Aerospace, a major employer in the region with over 13,000 employees, has expressed a consistent need for skilled technicians, making this initiative particularly relevant.

The new CTAE facility currently hosts 150 students in its Aviation Manufacturing and Service program. In a subsequent commitment to advancing the educational offerings at Groves High School, Gulfstream awarded $335,485 to the school through the Educate Chatham Foundation, with a substantial portion allocated to purchasing cutting-edge materials and equipment for the aviation lab. This investment underlines the importance of having well-equipped learning environments that reflect professional standards.

The facilities within the CTAE building boast new industrial equipment such as saws, sanders, and drill presses, organized in classrooms that mirror the layouts found at Gulfstream Aerospace. Designed with modern students in mind, the classrooms feature sealed operating manuals and polished epoxy flooring, creating a safe and efficient workspace. School district officials emphasized that the opening of the CTAE building is about more than just physical infrastructure; it symbolizes the creation of pathways leading to future employment and professional development.

During the opening ceremony, leaders from Gulfstream and Savannah Technical College spoke about the importance of their collaboration, emphasizing how it benefits the local community by providing necessary pathways to high-demand careers. The presence of District 6 School Board Representative Tonia Howard-Hall, who creatively referenced Dr. Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go” in her speech, further inspired students to envision their futures within the realm of aviation.

The design of the CTAE building underwent modifications to better address the existing programs’ needs and to align with workforce requirements in the community. Earlier projections indicated that the building would open in August 2024, but these were revised as detailed redesign plans allowed for enhancements to the aviation labs and support spaces. In December 2024, the school district approved a budget transfer of $2.6 million in Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) III funds to cover renovation costs, a clear indication of the district’s commitment to improving educational opportunities.

Renovations slated for the CTAE building include specialized classrooms for various career pathways, aircraft assembly areas, training spaces for heavy equipment operations, and comprehensive safety code upgrades. These improvements are expected to provide students with enriched hands-on experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in aviation and logistics in the ever-evolving marketplace.

The opening of the CTAE building at Groves High School marks a significant milestone in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s efforts to enhance vocational education and promote career readiness among students, paving the way for brighter futures in technical fields.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER

SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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