News & Announcements

The city of Oxford proved its commitment to quality education by forming its own school district 55 years ago, and has continued that support with modern facilities, more teachers, expanded areas of study, and the latest technological tools.

In 2022, that support was brought to a new level as Mayor Alton Craft, School Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley, the Oxford Board of Education, and members of the city council began the work, combining their ideas and actions, to facilitate the 2024 opening of the Choccolocco Research, Education, Arts, and Technical Experience – now known as the CREATE Center - in the former Honeywell building.

The classes offered for its maiden year of operation - including robotics, modern manufacturing, and computer science - were chosen after discussions and partnerships were formed with local industries and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council with a focus on the current workforce needs within the area, and providing instruction to both high school students and adults who were looking to enhance or change their current careers.

CREATE will soon expand the number of available career pathways and its doors are opened to high school students throughout the region as the current state budget includes $1.1 million in funding that will allow for the hiring of additional personnel and teachers.

“As more industries have expressed the desire to locate in Oxford, the city council and I have been searching for a way to expand the available workforce necessary for their operations,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “Dr. Stanley and her staff did an excellent job finding a way to bring this idea to life in such a short period of time. This new avenue for workforce development is where the CREATE Center will make the biggest difference, not just in Oxford but for the whole region.”

The dedication to quality education is another way Oxford is Alabama at its best!