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Family donors shift Oakdale greenhouse funds to John Lewis kitchen project to speed student impact
Summary
Donors who had raised funds for an Oakdale greenhouse proposed redirecting more than $100,000 in donations to build a kitchen at the nearby John Lewis program, saying the pivot will create immediate student cooking and nutrition opportunities.
Family donors and program leaders asked the board to reallocate district funds that had been set aside for an Oakdale greenhouse to instead support construction of a kitchen at the John Lewis campus, where staff already operate a large student garden program.
At the meeting, Mr. Schomburger (donor and parent) said donors have raised “over $100,000” and that John Lewis already sustains a garden program serving students and the community. He described the kitchen as a faster way to expand hands‑on cooking and nutrition instruction for students and to make immediate use of crops grown at John Lewis for student meals and community distribution.
Administrators confirmed the ask: to shift the district allocation previously set for Oakdale (presented at $161,324 on the materials) to support the John Lewis kitchen. Board members praised the pivot and asked for a clear itemization of the district allocation and outside donations; administrators said local donations and organizational sponsorships had helped reduce the net district ask.
The board did not take a final vote on reallocating the funds at the June 10 meeting; staff said the request will be brought forward with supporting details and a purchase pricing summary for formal action.
