Pell City Schools announce plans for new athletic complex, CTE facility
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The Pell City School Board officially approved the next steps in its plan for two new state-of-the-art facilities for education and athletics.
During a board meeting Tuesday night, the school system announced a new partnership with the city to “reimagine educational facilities, marking a major investment in the future of our students and community.”
The two major projects include:
- Panther Performance Complex
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility
The joint effort from the city and the school system was made possible by voters in the 2024 election, which created Pell City Schools and separated it from St. Clair County Schools.
“Our goal is to create pathways for every student to succeed and achieve excellence. This investment allows us to meet students where they are, while preparing them for where they want to go.”
Dr. Justin Burns, Pell City Schools Superintendent
Keep reading to learn more about both projects and response from Pell City officials.
Panther Performance Complex
A new comprehensive multi-use facility will serve as a centralized home for the majority of Pell City School athletic programs including:
- Football
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Cheer
According to Dr. Burns, the facility is expected to include an indoor turf space for football to use along with a full-sized gymnasium for other sports. Part of the initial design would also allow the marching band to use this space for practice.
The goal is to provide expanded practice space for student athletes.
“The idea is we are actually being able to accommodate the needs that we have not been able to address. This is one of those opportunities that we believe when we’re done, the community as a whole will be excited about what we’re able to accomplish for all of our students.”
Dr. Justin Burns, Pell City Schools Superintendent
There will also be academic areas in the building, providing classrooms for sports science, physical therapy and other hands-on learning space for students.
Tuesday night’s approval was for an architecture agreement to start the design process. An estimated cost and completion date for the project have not been set.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility
In a release from the city, the partnership is prioritizing a state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility on the campus of the current Pell City High School.
The new building will offer a wide range of career paths designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. It will house several of the school system’s programs including:
- Agriscience
- Business
- Forensics
- Culinary arts
- Welding
- Theater, partnering with the Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA)
Pell City says with two-thirds of Alabama high schoolers already participating in these programs, it is clear career tech is an essential foundation for college and career readiness.
“This facility ensures that Pell City remains a destination for families who want their children to be equipped, competitive, and ready for the global stage.”
Pell City Schools
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