The James Logan Courier

By Debbie Ly, Courier Staff Writer

Classes are underway and students are learning a biotechnology, forensic science and other hot topics at the new 45,000 sq. ft. Mission Valley Regional OP Career Technical Training Center adjacent to Kennedy High School in Fremont.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting officially opened the ROP center September 4 and welcomed students from all over the Tri-city area to attend the new school year. The new site was greeted by numerous attendees including the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Fremont city officials, board members, and superintendents.



A more elaborate grand opening is planned for next month.

Mission Valley ROP is a partnership between the New Haven, Fremont and Newark school districts. It was established in 1969. The program offers education for future careers in business, medicine, and technology and is home to over 5,000 high school students and adults a year.

Mission Valley ROP Superintendent Charles Brown expressed his thanks and acknowledged those who "worked countless hours to keep the construction of [the] new building on track in order to open in time for the new school year".

"We especially thank Fremont Unified School District for their support and assistance with turning the dream into a reality. So it is with great pleasure to say to our ROP teachers and students, ' 'Welcome to your new home,'" he said.

Construction of the 45,000-square-foot, two-story facility building began in April 2006. Two state-of-the-art science labs and six computer labs, a career center and the student lounge are among its 19 classrooms. It cost about $14 million.