Board approves $2.14 million kitchen renovations across six district schools

GRESHAM, Ore. — The Gresham‑Barlow School District Board on June 4 authorized contracts with Perlo Construction (lowest bidder) for kitchen renovations at six district schools in an amount not to exceed $2,139,012.

Director Dennis Clegg (finance staff) and others explained the district has used excess reimbursements in the nutrition services fund and available operating balances to fund one‑time capital upgrades that improve food‑service infrastructure. The listed schools for renovation included Powell Valley Elementary, Gordon Russell Middle School, Dexter McCarty Middle School, Sam Barlow High School, East Orient Elementary and Highland Elementary. Projects cited include flooring, new freezers and coolers, equipment replacements and electrical work.

Clegg said the district has followed a multi‑year prioritization of kitchen needs in coordination with facilities staff and Chartwells, the district’s food service contractor. He said bids were solicited and Perlo submitted the lowest responsive bid. Board members asked for and were offered a more detailed scope of work for each site; staff agreed to provide that information.

Why it matters: Kitchen renovations replace aging equipment and address food service infrastructure; the district said investments preserve meal program operations and are allowable uses of nutrition services fund balances for one‑time capital needs. Officials emphasized projects will be scheduled to minimize student disruption, with much of the work planned for summer break.

Implementation: Contracts will be managed by Facilities; work is expected to be scheduled during noninstructional periods where possible. The board approved the contracts by motion and voice vote.