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Board approves architectural services for Empower and W.D. Hall kitchen upgrades
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved an architectural and engineering services agreement to begin kitchen renovations at Empower and W.D. Hall, funded from a restricted learning recovery block grant that must be encumbered by June 30.
The board voted 5–0 to approve architectural and engineering services assignments related to kitchen improvements at Empower Academy (Empower) and W.D. Hall Elementary.
Board members and public commenters questioned whether the project included a student-run coffee cart or bistro and whether renovations were strictly health‑code related. Staff clarified the funds are restricted for kitchen improvements and must be used by June 30, and that Empower’s kitchen did not meet current health‑department standards. “These are restricted funds for kitchen improvement, so it cannot be used for any other purpose,” staff said during the presentation, noting the work includes new flooring, FRP walls, proper serving counters and three‑compartment sinks.
The learning recovery block grant (three‑year award of about $1,000,000) was cited earlier in the meeting as the source for expanding Orton‑Gillingham literacy staffing and strengthening district math practices; portions of that funding will be used for site kitchen improvements and related architecture/engineering contracts.
Trustees voted to approve the architectural contract and directed staff to return later with bid documents and cost estimates for construction encumbrance before the June deadline.
Next steps: staff will negotiate final scope details with the architect, present bid packages and seek construction contracts to be encumbered before June 30.
