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School board approves $904,114 Animakerspace to expand robotics and maker programs
Summary
Richland trustees approved creation of a Future Ready AniMakerspace for grades 4–8 funded by Expanded Learning grants totaling $904,114.47, and also approved purchases for a teaching kitchen and classroom furniture to support expanded learning programs.
The Richland Union School District Board of Trustees on May 11 approved creation of a Future Ready Lab (AniMakerspace) centered on Spark-E robotics and maker tools, with grant funding totaling $904,114.47 for equipment, professional development, and consumables.
ELOP Coordinator Jaime Cherry described the lab’s equipment and scope, saying the lab "will serve students in 4-8 and will include 3D printers, a laser cutter, embroidery and industrial sewing machines, and photography/videography tools" to support hands-on learning and career pathways. The Board approved the AniMakerspace with unanimous votes.
At the same time, trustees approved purchase of a portable teaching kitchen, "Kitchen a la Cart," priced at $53,215.55 to be used at the Redwood Expanded Learning site, and Lakeshore furniture and flexible seating for robotics and music programming totaling $64,441.80, both funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers and ELOP grants. The agenda materials noted there is no impact to the general fund for these purchases.
The Board’s vote follows staff presentations that included a five-year professional development plan and five years of consumables for the lab. Board members praised the proposed programming as an investment in technology and career readiness for elementary and junior high students. The district will proceed with vendor contracts and implementation planning.
