Lawmakers learn more about the new Sussex Tech High School

Many Sussex County elected officials last week toured the construction site of the new Sussex Technical High School, gaining insights into the project, the school, and its future.

With an estimated cost of $250 million, the project is the largest public school construction effort in state history. The new three-story complex, being built adjacent to the current campus southwest of Georgetown, will encompass approximately 353,000 square feet of interior space.

Construction began in October 2024. School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carson told the visiting lawmakers that the tentative plan is to open the new school in September 2027, but only “if we can do it correctly.” 

Sussex Tech provides comprehensive career-technical education in skilled trades and technical fields, including automotive technologies, collision repair, carpentry, welding, HVAC-R, cosmetology, dental services, health professions, legal services, digital publishing, CISCO/Coding, and agriculture/environmental sciences.

Many of the occupations the school prepares its students for are more lucrative and in higher demand than those accessible by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. That is perhaps one of the reasons earning a spot in Sussex Tech’s freshman class is coveted. Of the more than 900 students applying for admission this past September, only about 400 were successful. Due to high demand, qualified applicants are selected via lottery in most cases.

Sussex Tech also has a second life at night and on weekends, training more than 3,500 adults to obtain a wide range of skills, including securing occupational and professional licensing and certification. Many of the programs have significant waiting lists.