The consideration to expand the program was discussed at the board of trustees’ Nov. 11 workshop.
The overview
The expanded program will be for Clear Lake High School, which resides next to the Learner Support Center, according to district documents.
The total cost for the expansion of the culinary arts program is anticipated to be $2.5 million, which the board of trustees approved to use out of capital project funds, according to district documents.
The $2.5 million is projected to cover the following expenses:
- Kitchen equipment
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology
- Interior renovations in all areas
- Tie-in for outdoor walk-in freezer
- Premium for building tie-in
- Design and estimated contingency
CCISD’s culinary arts program, which is currently only offered at Clear Springs High School, is a “three-year course sequence that provides job specific training needed for entry level culinary and food service positions,” according to the district’s website.
More than 120 students across the district applied to be in the culinary arts program at Clear Springs High School for the 2024-25 school year, but the program capacity is 60 students, according to a presentation by the district.
The project to bring a culinary program to Clear Lake High School will consist of replicating the program offered at Clear Springs High School. The project will eventually allow students to gain insight into the operation of a well-run restaurant including management, planning, staffing and controlling a variety of food service operations, according to the district’s website.
What’s next
Now that capital funding has been approved by the board, CCISD’s timeline for adding the culinary arts program to Clear Lake High School is as follows:
- Dec. 3: Permit submission
- Feb. 24: Board considers award for construction contract
- July 31: Substantial completion date
