If you haven’t seen it on Lone Star Parkway, it’s called ‘THE DEN,’ respective of the mascot names of the Montgomery Independent School District’s high school Bears and Lions, and it represents a ‘World Class’ Career and Technology Education & Agriculture Science Center, probably the best in the state. It’s a State of the Art facility capable of housing 13 of the 14 current career paths recognized by the Texas Education Agency. It’s a true game-changer when it comes to having instructors capable of certifying students, ready to work, the moment they cross the stage at graduation. In addition to the CTE building, the Agricultural Science Center has plenty of room for Veterinary Technician and Animal Science students, plus space for FFA students to house their animal projects. And that’s just the start. If you want a fresh cooked meal, mani-pedi, hair cut, or even an oil-change. The students will be able to provide a service that will set them on the way to a possible career after they graduate from MISD.
In the new building’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last Wednesday, The MISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin, CTE Staff, and elected officials on-hand, the school district were excited to swing the doors open and welcome the public in for the first time.
“The DEN and Ag Science Center represent more than new buildings,” said DEN Principal and CTE Director Kristy Starkey. “They represent new opportunities for students to discover, explore, and navigate their futures through real-world, hands-on experiences.”
The DEN will cover from engineering to culinary, cosmetology to robotics, health to construction sciences. Starkey was thankful to the 2022 bond supporters, the Board of Trustees, and Superintendent Ruffin for their leadership in making the entire project possible. She has been involved in CTE for about fifteen years, and is a big believer in the education type, noting that for many kids The DEN will allow students an opportunity to learn a trade, and be positive members of society in making a living, and raising families. Starkey herself went through the vocational system at her high school, and grew wary of college life instead opting for the business world. Starkey is adamant that CTE worked for her, and is confident that MISD students will benefit from the program’s offerings.
Precinct 1’s Commissioner Robert Walker, Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack, and Congressman Morgan Luttrell were on hand for the proceedings. MISD Board of Trustees President Eddie Winn was all smiles, and proud of his participation in the board task force to bring The DEN to life.
“We weren’t dreaming of ordinary classrooms,” said Winn. “We were envisioning spaces that inspire.”
Winn provided the story of the committee meetings that brought about the ‘One BIG Ag Barn,’ and The DEN, with its shops and studios.
“You matter,” Winn said to the students in attendance. “Your future matters.”
MISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin, greeted the students, parents, staff from other MISD schools, as well as area collegiate institutions. He was proud to proclaim that The DEN was the district’s jewel in the crown, acknowledging all those who were responsible for their dedication and spirit to create a campus that will make even the largest school districts in Texas jealous of Montgomery ISD.
“We now have two new incredible facilities, truly some of the most innovative and thoroughly designed CTE centers in the state,” said Dr. Ruffin. “These buildings represent an education experience that’s not only comprehensive, it’s transformational.”
A small cadre of MISD CTE Students lined up, given the honor of the actual ribbon cutting, as pictures were taken. Ruffin noted in his remarks that students will be able to pursue actual certifications, gain real experiences, and find purpose through any of the programs.
The current career paths are Automotive Technology, Welding and Construction Trades, Health Science, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Digital Communications and AV Production, Culinary Arts, Engineering and Robotics, and Animal Science and Vet Tech.
Following the ceremony, visitors were given free reign of the building to explore its ins-and-outs. And while there may have been a door handle or two that had yet to be installed, the different labs around the building offered nothing but hope and promise for the future. There is no doubt that the cosmetology students will have the best looking hair, nails, and toes in MISD as they go about their lessons, before opening to the public later in the semester. The culinary lab will even have its own ‘Café at the Den,’ a full service diner supported by a full service kitchen with individual work stations for students. Chef Dennis Kozak, who has been a chef instructor in other school culinary programs in Montgomery County, jumped at the chance to head the kitchens at The DEN.
“I’m truly excited to be here,” said Chef Kozak. “I’m looking forward to teaching the students about safety in the kitchen with knife skills, cooking techniques, and everything involved in getting them ready for preparing restaurant quality dishes.”
Chef Kozak gave tours of his culinary lab, and the attached Café at the Den, which is to be completely run by the students.
The Engineering & Robotics Lab will be popular with students with its modern equipment capable of fielding teams garnering for trophies at future competitions, state and otherwise. The 3D Printer is impressive, and will no doubt be put to good use. The Audio Visual Tech & Communications lab, will definitely be a draw for students interested in being in front of a camera or in communications for a career. The huge green screen in the lab shows that MISD means business. As of now, it’s undetermined if any productions coming out of the lab will be transmitted to other schools in the district for consumption.
In the rear portion of the building lies the Architecture & Construction Science, Manufacturing & Welding, and the Automotive Repair Labs. On the second lies the Law & Public Service Lab, with an associated 911 Simulator Room, EMT, and Medical Skills Lab. For the anticipated services to be offered by the labs that will open to the public in time, the prices for the services have yet to be determined, or if they will accept donations.