MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Office of Education broke ground April 28 on a new Professional Development Conference Center at its Blanco Circle campus in Salinas, a project officials say will expand training, collaboration and community engagement opportunities for educators across the county.
The ceremony marked the start of construction on the facility, which will also house several MCOE departments, including Early Learning, Migrant Services and Educational Services. Once completed, the center is expected to serve as a centralized hub for professional learning and support services.
Designed by PBK Architects, the project draws inspiration from Monterey County’s agricultural fields, coastal environments, oak woodlands and river corridors. Officials said the design incorporates natural materials intended to reflect the region’s landscapes.
The project has already received recognition from the Association for Learning Environments, earning the 2026 Alternative Support Environments Honor Award for its design.
A key feature of the center will be a flexible conference space that can accommodate up to 500 participants and be reconfigured into as many as 16 room layouts for training sessions, workshops and events.
“This groundbreaking represents more than a new building, it reflects our deep commitment to those we serve,” said Deneen Guss, Monterey County superintendent of schools. “By investing in a state-of-the-art facility, we are strengthening our ability to provide high-quality professional learning, foster collaboration, and ultimately improve outcomes for students across Monterey County. Together, we are ensuring that every student, from preschool through post-secondary, has the tools they need to succeed in life.”
Heather Owen, president of the Monterey County Board of Education, said the project reflects long-standing priorities for the district.
“This project has been a priority and vision of the Board to create a dedicated, high-quality space for professional development and collaboration,” Owen said. “We are proud to see this vision come to life in a way that will benefit educators, strengthen partnerships and support student success for years to come.”
Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2028. The project will replace existing portable buildings on the site and reduce long-term costs associated with renting off-site venues for large-scale training and events, officials said.
MCOE officials added that the project reflects years of planning and investment in educator support, with the goal of improving outcomes for students across Monterey County through expanded professional development and instructional services.
