• 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 Center at Booker T. Washington. 

    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 2024. 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

    RCPS cut the ribbon on its new William B. Robertson Administration Building in April 2025.

    The William B. Robertson Administration Building, located in the fully renovated former Roanoke Times offices, serves as the centralized hub for Roanoke City Public Schools’ administration. Purchased in 2021 as part of RCPS’ Equity in Action Plan, this building represents a key milestone in a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities and services across the division. The Equity in Action Plan has doubled Career & Technical Education seat capacity through the opening of the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center, centralized RCPS administration into one location, and will establish the Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington in July 2025.

    The building honors William B. Robertson, a Roanoke native and trailblazing leader who dedicated his life to public service. Robertson was a respected educator, the first Black aide to a Virginia governor, and a distinguished public servant under five U.S. presidential administrations. Additional areas within the building are also named for Roanokers who have made significant contributions to the community and education:

    • Doris N. Ennis School Board Meeting Chambers
    • E. Wayne Harris Professional Learning Wing
    • Wendell D. Ball Academic Wing  
    • George Andrew Kegley Communications & Community Engagement Wing

    Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington

    What began as a question four years ago – How can we support our families beyond the classroom? – is now becoming a transformative reality through the Roanoke City Public Schools Community Empowerment Center.

    The Community Empowerment Center is an extension of the school building – supporting our families so that they are empowered in supporting their students.

    This journey begins in just a few months with the opening of our Welcome Center – a central hub where families can register their children for school regardless of age, zip code, or school zone. Every new student will experience a streamlined enrollment process enhanced by translation services and other supports designed to ensure that each family feels valued and welcomed.

    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 family workshops offering classes on topics of interest
    • Additional community resources and services in partnership with community organizations

    Achieving this vision requires collaboration and we are proud to partner with a network of organizations that will serve as referral sources, helping us connect families with the resources they need to thrive.

    Our mission is simple yet profound: When families succeed, students succeed. We aim to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels safe, supported, and empowered. This is more than a building – it is legacy work designed to uplift generations to come.

    The center will open in July 2025.