Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board advances manufacturing center discussion, robotics team seeks dedicated space
Loading...
Summary
The Grattan Board discussed converting the auto shop to a machine/manufacturing center, heard a blueprint walkthrough and safety/funding details, and agreed to place the manufacturing center on the April 27 agenda while members seek more information and a plan for the robotics team’s field needs.
The Grattan Board of Education continued a multi‑hour discussion March 30 on a proposed manufacturing/machine shop at Fitch High School, hearing a detailed blueprint and funding plan while wrestling with tradeoffs for the district robotics team.
Lori Ferguson, who the district identified as project manager for the machine‑shop conversion, walked board members through updated plans that show two large CNC machines (a lathe and a mill), two Ganesh manual lathes, tool chests, a metrology station and work tables. “If you have up to 18 students in the shop with one teacher, they can work safely at different areas,” Ferguson said, describing 3‑foot safety clearances around machines and locked tool storage.
Ferguson told the board much of the new equipment will be provided through external partners and grants: Electric Boat is contributing a large share, naval/maritime partners are involved, and Department of Defense (DoDEA) career‑pathway funds were cited. “All of the equipment in this new space is grant funded or partner funded,” Ferguson said.
A central tension emerged: the auto‑shop location proposed for the manufacturing center overlaps with space the robotics team currently uses for a practice field. Robotics coaches and some board members said the team needs consolidated space and a dedicated practice area. Clint Kennedy described an outside prefabricated fieldhouse concept sited adjacent to the wood shop with HVAC, power and a rolling door that would accommodate a full‑size robotics field, but board members raised concerns about slab/site costs and permitting.
Board members debated alternatives including temporary use of gym or cafeteria space, renting warehouse bays, or pursuing a CIP item and additional grants. One board member warned building a fieldhouse and concrete pad could reach seven‑figure costs; others noted several smaller grants (including two $50,000 awards and an additional $350,000 lead) could be combined but that timelines and approvals remain uncertain.
The chair asked whether members would place the manufacturing center on the April 27 regular board meeting agenda for possible action. Several members agreed to put the item on that agenda, some qualifying their support pending more information. The board then toured the auto shop and wood shop and returned to adjourn.
Next steps: staff will provide additional materials (alternative layouts, cost estimates, and plans for the robotics team’s continuity and a timeline) prior to the April 27 meeting so the board can consider a formal vote.
Quotes: “All of the equipment in this new space is grant funded or partner funded,” said Lori Ferguson. Dr. Andrea Ackerman urged prioritizing core instruction and community programs, saying, “The robotics club, as wonderful as it is, is a club… Fitch Senior High School is for all the students, and this should be our priority.”
