Pasco School District has kicked off projects aimed at supporting career and technical education, or CTE, in its high schools using proceeds from the bond approved by voters three years ago.

The district has received a building permit for $13.2 million in improvements at Pasco High School, 1108 N. 10th Ave. It has also applied for a permit to make $385,000 in tenant improvements at Chiawana High School at 8125 W. Argent Road.

Pasco school officials have said both projects are expected to begin soon after the school year ends in mid-June. Both projects are aimed at modernizing classrooms and technology that support hands-on, career-connected learning for students.

“CTE improvements in our existing high schools will help ensure that our programs mirror industry equipment and facilities so that students are prepared to work in these high demand career areas,” the district wrote on the project’s homepage. “Together with (Sageview High School), each large comprehensive high school will offer signature CTE programs for all students.”

Just over 60% of voters approved the $195.5 million bond in February 2023. The district has already completed the two largest projects from the bond, opening the new comprehensive Sageview High School and the smaller Orion High School, which is based on the project-based learning model at Delta High School.

The improvements at Chiawana are expected to be completed before the end of 2026. That work includes modernization of the school’s existing science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, lab; redesign of the HVAC system; and installation of 3D printers and laser cutters.

Pasco High’s improvements will take a full year as the district fully renovates the two-story, 31,000-square-foot A wing at the school. Among the instruction spaces being modernized are the auto, metals and wood shops; culinary lab and robotics and art rooms. The A wing also will receive HVAC and electrical system upgrades.

Design West is the architect for both projects. G2 Construction is the contractor for the Pasco High project.

Details on the contractor for the Chiawana High project were not immediately available.