Equity in Action Plan

The Equity in Action project, unveiled in May 2021, is increasing equity in the delivery of high-quality instruction, particularly in Career & Technical Education (CTE), and enhancing Roanoke City Public Schools’ accessibility and support for the community at large. The project includes:

• the establishment of the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC) adjacent to William Fleming High School
• a centralized location for school system administration
• and the establishment of a Community Empowerment and Education Center. 

View the original project proposal, and learn more about the project below, including updated timelines that have been provided to the School Board:

The Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC)

DAYTEC opened to students in January 2024, and a dedication ceremony was held in April. With the opening of DAYTEC, RCPS has doubled its CTE seat capacity and introduced new career pathways in a state-of-the-art facility! The existing Roanoke Technical Education Center (ROTEC) adjacent to Patrick Henry High School also offers CTE courses.

DAYTEC offers 17 career pathways, including six new programs (marked *) unique to DAYTEC. ROTEC also offers a Precision Machining program in partnership with Virginia Western Community College that is available to all RCPS students. William Fleming High School also houses additional CTE programs, such as JROTC and photography.

• Automotive
• Barbering*
• Building Trades
• Business Information Technology
• Coding & Cybersecurity*
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice*
• Culinary Arts
• Engineering
• HVAC*
• Health and Medical Sciences
• Landscaping*
• Marketing
• Sports Medicine*
• Teachers for Tomorrow
• TV/Video Production
• Welding

William B. Robertson Administration Building

Roanoke City Public Schools’ purchase of the former Roanoke Times building in 2021 will centralize school administration offices. This move allowed the former Ruffner Operations Center to become DAYTEC, and the former Central Office will become the Community Empowerment and Education Center. Our students always come first, so RCPS’ priority was to complete DAYTEC. Construction on the Administration Building began in early 2024, and the building is estimated to be substantially complete in early 2025. 

Community Empowerment & Education Center

Establishing the Booker T. Washington Center for Community Empowerment & Education in the current Central Office building will allow RCPS to welcome all members of the community, increase accessibility to essential services, promote community collaboration, and empower families with knowledge and resources that will enrich their lives and the city.

The center will offer resources and services such as:

• A Welcome Center for students and families who need assistance with school enrollment, especially for families whose native language is one other than English
• Adult Education programs, including GED preparation, vocational training, and English classes for non-native speakers
• Classrooms and flexible spaces for use by RCPS and the community, including a Parent & Guardian University offering classes on topics of interest
• Additional community resources and services in partnership with community organizations

The Superintendent’s Community Engagement Committee is currently working with community partners to identify areas of synergy and is actively seeking funding for the center. The center is expected to open in summer 2025.