- March 9, 2025
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Scott Howat, chief communications officer for OCPS, kicked off the groundbreaking ceremony with a quick introduction.
Orange County School Board Member Melissa Byrd shared her thoughts on how the new campus will impact the local community.
Marcos Romero, a former building construction technology student of OTC, spoke about his positive experiences with the school's teachers and students.
Orange County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michael Armbruster shared a few words.
Important members from Orange County Public Schools, the city of Ocoee and other associated networks participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Participants moving the dirt included Melissa Byrd, OCPS District 7 School Board member; Rusty Johnson, city of Ocoee mayor; Rosemary Wilsen, city of Ocoee District 2 commissioner; and Dr. Michael Armbruster, OCPS deputy superintendent.
The campus is expected to open fall 2024.
The new 115,604-square-foot facility will be the future home for students focusing on career training programs such as building construction technology, HVAC, electricity, cosmetology and more.
The Orange Technical College division of Orange County Public Schools broke ground for the new OTC – West Campus at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The groundbreaking event kicked off with an introduction from Scott Howat, OCPS chief communications officer, who then introduced Melissa Byrd, OCPS School Board member, who shared a few words on the impact the new campus will have on the local community.
Marcos Romero, a civil engineer from Venezuela, who is a former building construction technology student of OTC, spoke about his positive experiences with the school's teachers and students.
In addition, Dr. Michael Armbruster, OCPS deputy superintendent, discussed the benefits of moving the campus from Winter Garden to the city of Ocoee.
Other influential community members in attendance included Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson, Ocoee Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen and Alexander Smith from the city of Apopka.
The new 115,604-square-foot facility will be the future home of students focusing on career training programs. The programs include building construction technology, HVAC, electricity and cosmetology.
The campus also will help students with learning English, becoming an apprentice, earning a GED or expanding industry-based skills.
The new campus is located at 2010 Ocoee-Apopka Road and is set to open come fall 2024.