In a bold move to expand educational and workforce opportunities across the south suburbs, six superintendents and educational leaders representing school districts and colleges in southern Cook County will formally present the Southland Career & Technical Education Center (SCTEC)—a transformative regional initiative repurposing the former Rich East High School site in Park Forest, Illinois.
The event will bring together over 300 stakeholders, including Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan, Attorney Vincent Williams, municipal mayors, community leaders, and regional business partners to unveil full architectural, curricular, and strategic plans for the SCTEC.
This groundbreaking initiative is being developed through a collaborative partnership between:
Dr. Lenell Navarre, Superintendent, Bloom Township High School District 206
Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233
Dr. Michael Anthony, President, Prairie State College
Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent, Rich Township High School District 227
Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO/Superintendent, Southland College Prep Charter High School
Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent, S.E.J.A. District 802
Together, these leaders are working to establish a future-focused regional center dedicated to providing career and technical education (CTE) programming for both high school and post-secondary learners. With a projected opening in 2028, the SCTEC will offer in-demand pathways in:
Aviation
Construction Trades
Information Technology
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Manufacturing
Public Safety
Urban Agriculture
The announcement reflects the culmination of extensive planning that integrated educational visioning, labor market data, and regional workforce needs. The SCTEC aims to become a premier hub for career readiness, creating seamless transitions from high school to college and into high-demand careers.
Originally closed in 2019 during a district-wide consolidation process, the former Rich East High School site at 300 Sauk Trail, Park Forest, is now poised to rise again—this time as a center of innovation, opportunity, and economic empowerment for the Southland region.