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Trustees press architects on ventilation, pen sizes and drainage for proposed ag facility
Summary
Trustees asked detailed questions about barn ventilation, animal‑pen dimensions and wash/drainage systems; architects said barn spaces will be cross‑ventilated with large fans, insulated roofs and mechanical exhaust in restrooms, and described pen layouts and on‑pad drainage.
Board members raised student‑safety and animal‑welfare concerns while reviewing the Ag Barn design. Architect Juan Muika told trustees the barn is designed for cross ventilation using large oscillating fans, barn doors and insulated roofing rather than HVAC for the barn floor, with classroom spaces and one office being air conditioned. "We have barn doors that are open...we do have chain link fencing to keep pests from coming in," he said when describing pest control and ventilation choices.
On pen sizes and animal counts, trustees asked for comparisons to current facilities; staff said cattle pens are planned at 12 by 12 and that sheep/goat pens were expanded compared with current stock. Architects described drains between pens and wash areas with grease traps and tie‑off points so each pen has access to water and electricity. Trustees also asked staff to involve students and parents in finalizing operational details to ensure safe workflows during shows and daily care.
Why it matters: trustees must be comfortable that the facility's operational design protects students and animals and that practical details—water, electricity, drainage and pen size—align with daily usage by students and families before approving construction contracting.
