This project is listed in the 2016/2017 Educational Facilities Plan.  The award of a construction project in excess of $50,000.00 requires School Board approval.  The bid opening was held April 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The project had two (2) bidders that met the bid requirements.

The ability to teach and train students on the type of commercial equipment that they will be expected to operate in practice is essential to the success of students after graduation.  The current Culinary Arts facility at Clay High School is a conglomeration of equipment that has been added over the years and is not ideal for or conducive to learning.  Although there is adequate space available for this program, outdated equipment makes it difficult to provide effective instruction.  Additionally, the age of the cabinets and the VCT floor in the food preparation area do not conform to current sanitation standards required by the Health Department.  In order to meet industry standards, older equipment will be replaced under the kitchen hood, the old pressed wood cabinets will be removed and replaced with open metal shelving; and the VCT floor in the food prep area will be replaced with an impervious epoxy floor.

The current Culinary Arts facilities/kitchen at Clay High School is outdated, comprised of primarily residential type equipment, and overcrowded.  The culinary arts instructors at Clay High School have been going above and beyond to make the best of a significantly less than optimal situation.  Without the proper equipment with which to train on, they have had to rely on theory and verbal instruction rather than practical training and application.

An upgraded culinary arts facility to include commercial style equipment in a dedicated space designed to function as a commercial kitchen, along with a separate space identified for classroom instruction, will greatly enhance the quality of both facets of this program and aid in the student’s success following graduation.

Ensure effective management of the organization, operations and facilities to maximize the use of resources and promote a safe, efficient and effective learning environment for Clay County students.

School Board award the construction contract to E. Vaughan Rivers Construction., the low bidder meeting all specifications.