Hudson County officials, educators, and community leaders gathered this week to celebrate the opening of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Craig Guy Center at Bayonne High School.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Friday, was attended by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, school leaders, and several local and state representatives. The center is part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) network, which offers programs for academic studies with hands-on job training.
The facility will welcome about 400 students who will study programs in mechanical trades, construction, finance, medical and clinical sciences, criminal justice, digital communications, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and cosmetology. These programs are designed to help students prepare for skilled and growing industries throughout New Jersey.
- The Craig Guy Center at Bayonne High School will educate 400 students in career and technical programs.
- The 36,000-square-foot, LEED-certified facility focuses on practical training in fields such as construction, finance, and healthcare.
- The project took over 12 years to complete and was built with union labor, highlighting teamwork between the county, schools, and the community.
A Modern and Sustainable Facility
The Craig Guy Center covers 36,000 square feet and is LEED certified for energy efficiency and environmental design. County leaders described it as a center of opportunity and innovation, created to give students real-world experience in technical fields.
Hudson County Commissioner Kenny Kopacz (D-1), who is also the deputy superintendent of schools in Bayonne, said the project was a strong example of partnership between schools, local government, and labor organizations. The facility was built entirely by union labor, connecting education and the skilled trades practically.
HCST Superintendent Tom Macagnano called the center a sign of collaboration and progress. He said the school was created with a focus on equity, providing a supportive space for students from diverse backgrounds to learn and build careers.
Years of Planning and Teamwork
The plan for the Craig Guy Center began more than a decade ago. The Bayonne Superintendent of Schools noted that the project received planning board approval in February 2022 and construction began in August 2023. Mayor Jimmy Davis, who is also the Democratic nominee for sheriff, said the project took 12 years from concept to completion.
City and county officials worked closely to bring the project to life. The new center was described as an investment in local youth and an opportunity for students to develop their skills and discover future career paths through practical, hands-on learning.
Honoring County Executive Craig Guy
The school is named for Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, who served on the HCST board for nearly 20 years, many of those as chair, before taking office as county executive. He said the new center represents Hudson County’s commitment to helping all students, especially those who may not plan to attend college, find meaningful and sustainable career paths.
Guy said that Hudson County is one of the most diverse areas in the state and that this center gives students access to training programs that meet the demands of today’s job market. The facility aims to prepare graduates to enter the workforce with valuable technical skills that strengthen both their futures and the local economy.
Collaboration Among Leaders and Labor
U.S. Representative Rob Menendez (D-8) described the opening of the Craig Guy Center as an example of effective government partnership, showing how collaboration between public offices, schools, and trade unions can benefit the community.
The building was constructed entirely with the support of organized labor. Hudson County Building Trades and Construction Council President Patrick Kelleher said the partnership between the county and the trades remains strong and continues to support new development in education and training.
The center joins other HCST campuses in Secaucus and downtown Jersey City, both of which offer similar programs linking academics with career-based instruction. Guy said these investments in education, especially the new Bayonne facility, represent a milestone for the county’s ongoing work to expand learning opportunities.
