Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What is the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
2 - What is the Central Kitchen project?
3 - Why is this a priority for OUSD given all of the facility needs district-wide?
4 - How is the Central Kitchen project being funded?
5 - How did OUSD select this particular site for the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center? Why is the Marcus Foster site ideal for this project?
6 - What facilities will exist at the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center complex?
7 - How will district-wide OUSD school kitchen facilities by affected by the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
8 - How many students will these changes affect? What percentage of students are getting meals?
9 - Will the Instructional Farm on the site supply food to the Central Commissary and Central Kitchen?
10 - Will the construction of the Center involve demolishing the current structure on the site? If so, why?
11 - When will construction of the Center commence?
12 - How will construction of the Center impact the local neighborhood?
13 - How long will it be until the project reaches completion?
14 - Are there any concerns about the quality of the soil in the Instructional Farm?
15 - Will there be any environmental hazards, or any remediation of those hazards?
16 - How will the operation of the Central Kitchen impact the local neighborhood?
17 - What type of programming will be at the Center? Who is developing the programming?
18 - How can community members give OUSD input about the Central Kitchen’s design, construction, operation, and programming?
19 - Will there be a Project Committee for this project?
20 - How can I become a member of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee for this project?
21 - How can I contribute input about OUSD’s efforts to upgrade facilities generally?
22 - Will the construction of any of these projects provide jobs for local residents? If so, how can I find out about construction jobs?
23 - Beyond facility construction, what kinds of jobs will be created by these projects?
24 - Will any job or internship opportunities be created for OUSD students and youth?
25 - Does this construction of this project require permits or approvals from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
26 - What about the Instructional Farm, does that type of agricultural activity require approval from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
2 - What is the Central Kitchen project?
3 - Why is this a priority for OUSD given all of the facility needs district-wide?
4 - How is the Central Kitchen project being funded?
5 - How did OUSD select this particular site for the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center? Why is the Marcus Foster site ideal for this project?
6 - What facilities will exist at the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center complex?
7 - How will district-wide OUSD school kitchen facilities by affected by the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
8 - How many students will these changes affect? What percentage of students are getting meals?
9 - Will the Instructional Farm on the site supply food to the Central Commissary and Central Kitchen?
10 - Will the construction of the Center involve demolishing the current structure on the site? If so, why?
11 - When will construction of the Center commence?
12 - How will construction of the Center impact the local neighborhood?
13 - How long will it be until the project reaches completion?
14 - Are there any concerns about the quality of the soil in the Instructional Farm?
15 - Will there be any environmental hazards, or any remediation of those hazards?
16 - How will the operation of the Central Kitchen impact the local neighborhood?
17 - What type of programming will be at the Center? Who is developing the programming?
18 - How can community members give OUSD input about the Central Kitchen’s design, construction, operation, and programming?
19 - Will there be a Project Committee for this project?
20 - How can I become a member of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee for this project?
21 - How can I contribute input about OUSD’s efforts to upgrade facilities generally?
22 - Will the construction of any of these projects provide jobs for local residents? If so, how can I find out about construction jobs?
23 - Beyond facility construction, what kinds of jobs will be created by these projects?
24 - Will any job or internship opportunities be created for OUSD students and youth?
25 - Does this construction of this project require permits or approvals from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
26 - What about the Instructional Farm, does that type of agricultural activity require approval from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1- What is the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
Rethinking School Lunch Oakland is a district-wide initiative that addresses health, environmental, and social issues by bringing OUSD students into a new relationship with food as part of their daily educational experience. Rethinking School Lunch Oakland will also dramatically improve the school meals served to the District’s students—over 70% of which qualify for free and reduced-price meals. During the 2010-2011 school year, the Center for Ecoliteracy, a Berkeley-based non-profit that created the Rethinking School Lunch planning framework (http://www.ecoliteracy.org/), approached OUSD with philanthropic-backed funding and offered to do a feasibility study to examine how OUSD could improve school food, teach nutrition, support sustainable food systems, and create education programs focused on understanding the relationships between food, culture, health, and the environment. The feasibility study’s findings and recommendations are summarized here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/uploads/shared_files/RSL_Oakland_Feasibility_Summary.pdf.
The findings and recommendations of the feasibility called for planned improvements to the district’s food system facilities include the following:
● conversion of an existing site into a green central kitchen;
● development of an urban farm;
● installation of fourteen school-community kitchens;
● upgrade of additional satellite kitchens to create a nutrition services network throughout the district.
To realize the goals outlined in Rethinking School Lunch Oakland feasibility study, the OUSD Board of Education approved the incorporation of comprehensive plans to improve the district’s food system facilities into the OUSD Facilities Master Plan 2012.
1- What is the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
Rethinking School Lunch Oakland is a district-wide initiative that addresses health, environmental, and social issues by bringing OUSD students into a new relationship with food as part of their daily educational experience. Rethinking School Lunch Oakland will also dramatically improve the school meals served to the District’s students—over 70% of which qualify for free and reduced-price meals. During the 2010-2011 school year, the Center for Ecoliteracy, a Berkeley-based non-profit that created the Rethinking School Lunch planning framework (http://www.ecoliteracy.org/), approached OUSD with philanthropic-backed funding and offered to do a feasibility study to examine how OUSD could improve school food, teach nutrition, support sustainable food systems, and create education programs focused on understanding the relationships between food, culture, health, and the environment. The feasibility study’s findings and recommendations are summarized here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/uploads/shared_files/RSL_Oakland_Feasibility_Summary.pdf.
The findings and recommendations of the feasibility called for planned improvements to the district’s food system facilities include the following:
● conversion of an existing site into a green central kitchen;
● development of an urban farm;
● installation of fourteen school-community kitchens;
● upgrade of additional satellite kitchens to create a nutrition services network throughout the district.
To realize the goals outlined in Rethinking School Lunch Oakland feasibility study, the OUSD Board of Education approved the incorporation of comprehensive plans to improve the district’s food system facilities into the OUSD Facilities Master Plan 2012.
2 - What is the Central Kitchen project?
The Oakland Unified School District’s Central Kitchen, Urban Farm, and Education Center (“the Center” or "Central Kitchen project") is the centerpiece of Rethinking School Lunch Oakland. The Center will be the hub of a new district-wide school food system network connecting nutrition, education, and community programs at the District’s cooking, finishing, and school-community kitchens, school gardens, and produce market stands. This project is located at the current Marcus Foster School at 2850 West Street. The completed state-of-the-art complex is scheduled to open during the 2017-2018 school year and will include:
● a 32,552 square-foot central kitchen;
● food storage space and transportation bays;
● a teaching kitchen and culinary classroom and two classrooms
● an administrative office for Nutrition Services; and
● an instructional farm and greenhouse.
The Oakland Unified School District’s Central Kitchen, Urban Farm, and Education Center (“the Center” or "Central Kitchen project") is the centerpiece of Rethinking School Lunch Oakland. The Center will be the hub of a new district-wide school food system network connecting nutrition, education, and community programs at the District’s cooking, finishing, and school-community kitchens, school gardens, and produce market stands. This project is located at the current Marcus Foster School at 2850 West Street. The completed state-of-the-art complex is scheduled to open during the 2017-2018 school year and will include:
● a 32,552 square-foot central kitchen;
● food storage space and transportation bays;
● a teaching kitchen and culinary classroom and two classrooms
● an administrative office for Nutrition Services; and
● an instructional farm and greenhouse.
3 - Why is OUSD prioritizing this project given all of the facility needs district-wide?
Student wellness and learning are inextricably linked. By providing every student with good, nutritious food and the opportunity to learn about the relationships between food, culture, health, and the environment, the Center will advance student wellness and learning district-wide. The school food innovations envisioned for the Center fulfill the OUSD “Community Schools, Thriving Students” strategy, which focuses on the OUSD mission of becoming a full-service community district that serves the whole child, addresses systemic inequalities, and provides each child with excellent teachers every day. For more information about the critical link between nutrition, healthy, and learning, please go here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/issues/health-and-nutrition
and here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/uploads/shared_files/CEL_making_the_case_research.pdf.
Student wellness and learning are inextricably linked. By providing every student with good, nutritious food and the opportunity to learn about the relationships between food, culture, health, and the environment, the Center will advance student wellness and learning district-wide. The school food innovations envisioned for the Center fulfill the OUSD “Community Schools, Thriving Students” strategy, which focuses on the OUSD mission of becoming a full-service community district that serves the whole child, addresses systemic inequalities, and provides each child with excellent teachers every day. For more information about the critical link between nutrition, healthy, and learning, please go here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/issues/health-and-nutrition
and here:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/uploads/shared_files/CEL_making_the_case_research.pdf.
4 - How is OUSD funding the Central Kitchen project?
The majority of the funds for the construction of the Central Kitchen project are funded primarily through Measure J, a bond measure approved by nearly 84% of Oakland voters in November 2012 (http://www.smartvoter.org/2012/11/06/ca/alm/meas/J/). Measure J secured over $40 million for district-wide OUSD food system facility improvement and conversion. Measure N funds will contribute to the programming component of the Center’s design and development. Major donors have also provided a portion of the funds for the project.
The majority of the funds for the construction of the Central Kitchen project are funded primarily through Measure J, a bond measure approved by nearly 84% of Oakland voters in November 2012 (http://www.smartvoter.org/2012/11/06/ca/alm/meas/J/). Measure J secured over $40 million for district-wide OUSD food system facility improvement and conversion. Measure N funds will contribute to the programming component of the Center’s design and development. Major donors have also provided a portion of the funds for the project.
5 - How did OUSD select this particular site for the Foster Center-Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center? Why is the Marcus Foster site ideal for this project?
The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) needed to find a District-owned site that did not house students that could host both a 43,000+ square foot building and an adjacent Instructional Farm large enough to meet the educational programming needs. When conducting a facilities review for OUSD’s Rethinking School Lunch initiative, food service consultants to the Center for Ecoliteracy examined over 50 sites. No other site met the necessary technical requirements for square feet, truck access, and proximity to a green space large enough for the Instructional Farm.
Why is the Marcus Foster site ideal for this project? The Marcus Foster School site at 2850 West Street proved to be ideal for this project not only because it met the technical requirements for the project (because of its size, height, elevators, connection to green space, and its proximity to major transportation routes—important to efficient distribution of bulk ingredients from distributors to the central kitchen storage spaces, and then to satellite kitchens throughout the District), but also because of its location within a neighborhood with a long and rich tradition of urban farming. The last factor is particularly important for future development of the site. OUSD envisions possibly partnering with urban farming organizations community groups to develop the second phase of the farm (which OUSD has not yet designed), and hopes to establish a community garden on the property.
The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) needed to find a District-owned site that did not house students that could host both a 43,000+ square foot building and an adjacent Instructional Farm large enough to meet the educational programming needs. When conducting a facilities review for OUSD’s Rethinking School Lunch initiative, food service consultants to the Center for Ecoliteracy examined over 50 sites. No other site met the necessary technical requirements for square feet, truck access, and proximity to a green space large enough for the Instructional Farm.
Why is the Marcus Foster site ideal for this project? The Marcus Foster School site at 2850 West Street proved to be ideal for this project not only because it met the technical requirements for the project (because of its size, height, elevators, connection to green space, and its proximity to major transportation routes—important to efficient distribution of bulk ingredients from distributors to the central kitchen storage spaces, and then to satellite kitchens throughout the District), but also because of its location within a neighborhood with a long and rich tradition of urban farming. The last factor is particularly important for future development of the site. OUSD envisions possibly partnering with urban farming organizations community groups to develop the second phase of the farm (which OUSD has not yet designed), and hopes to establish a community garden on the property.
6 - What facilities will exist at the Foster Center-Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center complex?
The Central Commissary
The Complex will include a central commissary facility that will serve as the distribution hub for all of the district’s school meals. It will include facilities for receiving and shipping, storage, food-preparation bulk staging, equipment washing, waste treatment, and training and education, as well as administrative offices.
The Teaching Kitchen
The Center will include a teaching kitchen, where students at different grade levels will receive hands-on instruction. OUSD students will have an opportunity to link academic learning to on-site culinary training where they learn nutrition, the chemistry of cooking, hospitality, and business management skills.
The Instructional Farm
Sited adjacent to the central kitchen on the Marcus Foster School site, the urban Instructional farm with crops and greenhouses will serve as a learning lab where students will experience urban agriculture firsthand.
The Central Commissary
The Complex will include a central commissary facility that will serve as the distribution hub for all of the district’s school meals. It will include facilities for receiving and shipping, storage, food-preparation bulk staging, equipment washing, waste treatment, and training and education, as well as administrative offices.
The Teaching Kitchen
The Center will include a teaching kitchen, where students at different grade levels will receive hands-on instruction. OUSD students will have an opportunity to link academic learning to on-site culinary training where they learn nutrition, the chemistry of cooking, hospitality, and business management skills.
The Instructional Farm
Sited adjacent to the central kitchen on the Marcus Foster School site, the urban Instructional farm with crops and greenhouses will serve as a learning lab where students will experience urban agriculture firsthand.
7 - How will district-wide OUSD school kitchen facilities by affected by the Rethinking School Lunch Oakland initiative?
In addition to completing the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center at the current Marcus Foster School site, OUSD will improve existing school food preparation facilities throughout the district. The three primary types of kitchens that will be improved or developed are cooking kitchens, finishing kitchens, and school-community kitchens:
Cooking Kitchens are kitchens with enough equipment and capacity to meet health and safety standards and to cook from scratch, as well as to finish “fresh-prepared” meals using recipe kits from the new Central Commissary. Twenty-five of OUSDʼs 89 schools are served by Cooking Kitchens, where meals are produced on-site.
Finishing Kitchens will include basic equipment to prepare meals from recipe kits of bulk ingredients from the Central Commissary component of the Central Kitchen. Current “Satellite” kitchens will be upgraded to “Finishing Kitchens” though renovations. OUSD has also selected four school sites to receive the first Finishing Kitchens: Hillcrest Elementary, Piedmont Avenue Elementary, Kaiser Elementary, and Laurel Elementary. OUSD selected these sites for the first round of Finishing Kitchen upgrades because they have the least existing food preparation infrastructure, and are most in need of food facility improvement. Without upgrades to their current food preparation infrastructure, these sites would not be able to receive the new food from the Central Kitchen.
School-Community Kitchens will serve as Cooking Kitchens during the school day and be available when school is not in session for a variety of community uses. Community uses include employee, student, and parent cooking classes; community events; and emergency preparedness.
In addition to completing the Central Kitchen, Instructional Farm, and Education Center at the current Marcus Foster School site, OUSD will improve existing school food preparation facilities throughout the district. The three primary types of kitchens that will be improved or developed are cooking kitchens, finishing kitchens, and school-community kitchens:
Cooking Kitchens are kitchens with enough equipment and capacity to meet health and safety standards and to cook from scratch, as well as to finish “fresh-prepared” meals using recipe kits from the new Central Commissary. Twenty-five of OUSDʼs 89 schools are served by Cooking Kitchens, where meals are produced on-site.
Finishing Kitchens will include basic equipment to prepare meals from recipe kits of bulk ingredients from the Central Commissary component of the Central Kitchen. Current “Satellite” kitchens will be upgraded to “Finishing Kitchens” though renovations. OUSD has also selected four school sites to receive the first Finishing Kitchens: Hillcrest Elementary, Piedmont Avenue Elementary, Kaiser Elementary, and Laurel Elementary. OUSD selected these sites for the first round of Finishing Kitchen upgrades because they have the least existing food preparation infrastructure, and are most in need of food facility improvement. Without upgrades to their current food preparation infrastructure, these sites would not be able to receive the new food from the Central Kitchen.
School-Community Kitchens will serve as Cooking Kitchens during the school day and be available when school is not in session for a variety of community uses. Community uses include employee, student, and parent cooking classes; community events; and emergency preparedness.
8 - How many students will these changes affect? What percentage of students are getting meals?
Nutrition Services serves 89 Oakland schools (including some charter schools) with a combined enrollment of 38,000 students. More than 70 percent of OUSD’s students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The District currently serves a daily average of about 7,200 breakfasts, 21,200 lunches, and 8,400 snacks, and 500 suppers, for a total of over 6 million meals a year.
Nutrition Services serves 89 Oakland schools (including some charter schools) with a combined enrollment of 38,000 students. More than 70 percent of OUSD’s students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The District currently serves a daily average of about 7,200 breakfasts, 21,200 lunches, and 8,400 snacks, and 500 suppers, for a total of over 6 million meals a year.
9 - Will the Instructional Farm on the site supply food to the Central Commissary and Central Kitchen?
No. The farm is only an instructional farm. It does not have the capacity to supply the ingredients needed for the Central Commissary.
No. The farm is only an instructional farm. It does not have the capacity to supply the ingredients needed for the Central Commissary.
CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
10 - Will the construction of the Central Kitchen involve demolishing the current structure on the site? If so, why?
Yes, the construction of the Central Kitchen will involve demolishing the current building on the site and building a new structure.
Why is the demolition of the current building necessary? Originally, OUSD planned to remodel the pair of buildings rather than build a new building to create the Central Kitchen. When OUSD set out to design and build the Central Kitchen at this site, key facilities staff along with the architects, spent nine months conducting a rigorous analysis of the current structure with the intent of remodeling the building. A complete analysis of the site and the existing structures revealed numerous challenges to remodeling the current structures, among them: (1) the need for an extensive seismic retrofit; (2) the need for extensive demolition of the existing slab to put in underground piping; (3) the need to relocate substantial underground utilities that run through the site to add a loading dock to the existing structure; and (4) the need for an addition even with a remodel. The team concluded that remodeling the current structures would increase the cost of the project by at least $4 million. The District decided that because it would cost substantially more to remodel the existing structure, it would be a better to build a new building. California’s Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the American Institute of Architects, California Council have awarded the design for the new Central Kitchen the Design Excellence Award.
10 - Will the construction of the Central Kitchen involve demolishing the current structure on the site? If so, why?
Yes, the construction of the Central Kitchen will involve demolishing the current building on the site and building a new structure.
Why is the demolition of the current building necessary? Originally, OUSD planned to remodel the pair of buildings rather than build a new building to create the Central Kitchen. When OUSD set out to design and build the Central Kitchen at this site, key facilities staff along with the architects, spent nine months conducting a rigorous analysis of the current structure with the intent of remodeling the building. A complete analysis of the site and the existing structures revealed numerous challenges to remodeling the current structures, among them: (1) the need for an extensive seismic retrofit; (2) the need for extensive demolition of the existing slab to put in underground piping; (3) the need to relocate substantial underground utilities that run through the site to add a loading dock to the existing structure; and (4) the need for an addition even with a remodel. The team concluded that remodeling the current structures would increase the cost of the project by at least $4 million. The District decided that because it would cost substantially more to remodel the existing structure, it would be a better to build a new building. California’s Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the American Institute of Architects, California Council have awarded the design for the new Central Kitchen the Design Excellence Award.
11 - When will construction of the Foster Center-Central Kitchen commence?
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2015.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2015.
12 - How will construction of the Foster Center-Central Kitchen impact the local neighborhood?
The construction of the Center will take place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the construction period. Construction trucks will use 27th Street and then turn on to West Street to enter into the project site. Trucks will line up on site to avoid back-up and traffic congestion on adjacent streets. If it becomes necessary to close parking lanes adjacent to the project site, OUSD will provide advance notice to the neighbors about the location, dates, and times that parking lanes will be closed.
The construction of the Center will take place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the construction period. Construction trucks will use 27th Street and then turn on to West Street to enter into the project site. Trucks will line up on site to avoid back-up and traffic congestion on adjacent streets. If it becomes necessary to close parking lanes adjacent to the project site, OUSD will provide advance notice to the neighbors about the location, dates, and times that parking lanes will be closed.
13 - How long will it be until the project reaches completion?
OUSD anticipates that construction of the Center will take 24 months including start up and commission time. The actual construction of the Center should take about 16 months. The Center is scheduled to open during the 2017-2018 school year.
OUSD anticipates that construction of the Center will take 24 months including start up and commission time. The actual construction of the Center should take about 16 months. The Center is scheduled to open during the 2017-2018 school year.
14 - Are there any concerns about the quality of the soil in the Instructional Farm?
Soil sampling at the Marcus Foster School showed lead impacted soil above health guidelines at the western and southern portions of the site, which before the construction of the Marcus Foster School contained houses. The project site is located in a part of Oakland that was developed in the mid-nineteenth century. Lead in paint was phased out in the United States in 1978. Because of the wide use of lead-based paints for more than a century in the vicinity of site, and to some extent the use of leaded gasoline, lead is a widespread contaminant across most of Oakland. OUSD has committed to excavating soil containing lead above the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) California Human Health Screening Level - 82 parts per million for residential exposure. Because the District will remove lead impacted soil from the Project site, soil in the Urban Farm area will be of less risk than the yards of surrounding properties.
Soil sampling at the Marcus Foster School showed lead impacted soil above health guidelines at the western and southern portions of the site, which before the construction of the Marcus Foster School contained houses. The project site is located in a part of Oakland that was developed in the mid-nineteenth century. Lead in paint was phased out in the United States in 1978. Because of the wide use of lead-based paints for more than a century in the vicinity of site, and to some extent the use of leaded gasoline, lead is a widespread contaminant across most of Oakland. OUSD has committed to excavating soil containing lead above the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) California Human Health Screening Level - 82 parts per million for residential exposure. Because the District will remove lead impacted soil from the Project site, soil in the Urban Farm area will be of less risk than the yards of surrounding properties.
15 - Will there be any environmental hazards, or any remediation of those hazards?
OUSD will undertake a full and complete asbestos inspection of the existing school buildings. If the inspection confirms presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), all ACMs will be removed in compliance with State and federal requirements before building demolition and construction of the new building.
To minimize the environmental impact of the new Central Kitchen complex, the new Center buildings will be green facilities constructed using sustainable building technologies. The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment housed in an efficiently designed space, and the conversion will incorporate modern innovations in sustainable materials, food warehousing, and waste management. Green building practices and processes will be critical features of the building, operations, and education programming at the Center. Sustainable building technologies will also be incorporated in renovations of kitchen facilities at OUSD schools wherever possible.
If you would like report an environmental concern to OUSD, please complete an Environmental Assessment Form and fax it to 510-436-6264. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please call the Work Control Desk at (510) 535-2718 or the Main office at (510) 277-2717.
OUSD will undertake a full and complete asbestos inspection of the existing school buildings. If the inspection confirms presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), all ACMs will be removed in compliance with State and federal requirements before building demolition and construction of the new building.
To minimize the environmental impact of the new Central Kitchen complex, the new Center buildings will be green facilities constructed using sustainable building technologies. The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment housed in an efficiently designed space, and the conversion will incorporate modern innovations in sustainable materials, food warehousing, and waste management. Green building practices and processes will be critical features of the building, operations, and education programming at the Center. Sustainable building technologies will also be incorporated in renovations of kitchen facilities at OUSD schools wherever possible.
If you would like report an environmental concern to OUSD, please complete an Environmental Assessment Form and fax it to 510-436-6264. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please call the Work Control Desk at (510) 535-2718 or the Main office at (510) 277-2717.
16 - How will the operation of the Central Kitchen impact the local neighborhood?
The Central Kitchen will operate Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays. There will be approximately 54 to 78 staff working at the Center and field trips of up to 130 students during the weekdays.
The Central Kitchen will function as a School-Community Kitchen that will be available for a variety of community uses. As one of fourteen school-community kitchen sites identified in the OUSD Facilities Master Plan, the Center and its teaching kitchen can also be used for neighborhood meal preparation classes, and as a space for fundraisers in which local chefs offer workshops and demonstrations.
OUSD anticipates that the Center will host weekday evening classes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and occasional evening events during the same hours. OUSD also anticipates that during the weekdays, up to three delivery trucks would arrive at the facility between 7:00 a.m. and noon, and six box trucks will depart from the Center between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to deliver bulk ingredients to satellite kitchens and return at 2 p.m. Truck access will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Trucks will not be permitted to idle for more than five minutes. If you would like more information about the Center’s future operations, please email: infocentralkitchen@niamconsulting.com or call 510-761-8360 and provide your contact information.
The Central Kitchen will operate Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays. There will be approximately 54 to 78 staff working at the Center and field trips of up to 130 students during the weekdays.
The Central Kitchen will function as a School-Community Kitchen that will be available for a variety of community uses. As one of fourteen school-community kitchen sites identified in the OUSD Facilities Master Plan, the Center and its teaching kitchen can also be used for neighborhood meal preparation classes, and as a space for fundraisers in which local chefs offer workshops and demonstrations.
OUSD anticipates that the Center will host weekday evening classes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and occasional evening events during the same hours. OUSD also anticipates that during the weekdays, up to three delivery trucks would arrive at the facility between 7:00 a.m. and noon, and six box trucks will depart from the Center between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to deliver bulk ingredients to satellite kitchens and return at 2 p.m. Truck access will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Trucks will not be permitted to idle for more than five minutes. If you would like more information about the Center’s future operations, please email: infocentralkitchen@niamconsulting.com or call 510-761-8360 and provide your contact information.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE EDUCATION CENTER AND ITS PROGRAMMING
17 - What type of programming will be at the Center? Who is developing the programming?
At the Central Kitchen, Urban Farm, and Education Center, students and guests will observe professionally trained cooks at work, and will learn about OUSD’s relationships with farmers and community organizations, the historical significance of Oakland and its place in California’s agricultural landscape, and the role that food production and access play in the resiliency of a community.
The Center for Ecoliteracy and OUSD have partnered to develop educational programming for the Central Kitchen Project beginning in February 2015. Educational programming will correspond to specific grade level understandings and skills for grades pre-K through 12, and will be compatible with the national Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and other curriculum guidelines used by the school district.
In addition to observing trained chefs and learning culinary skills at the Teaching Kitchen, students will visit the Urban Farm to learn about daily and seasonal growth cycles, the effects of weather and agricultural strategies on the resiliency of plants and animals, and the web of relationships that support the health of a cultivated ecosystem. The Center will also become the home of an Academy for Culinary Arts and Sciences.
17 - What type of programming will be at the Center? Who is developing the programming?
At the Central Kitchen, Urban Farm, and Education Center, students and guests will observe professionally trained cooks at work, and will learn about OUSD’s relationships with farmers and community organizations, the historical significance of Oakland and its place in California’s agricultural landscape, and the role that food production and access play in the resiliency of a community.
The Center for Ecoliteracy and OUSD have partnered to develop educational programming for the Central Kitchen Project beginning in February 2015. Educational programming will correspond to specific grade level understandings and skills for grades pre-K through 12, and will be compatible with the national Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and other curriculum guidelines used by the school district.
In addition to observing trained chefs and learning culinary skills at the Teaching Kitchen, students will visit the Urban Farm to learn about daily and seasonal growth cycles, the effects of weather and agricultural strategies on the resiliency of plants and animals, and the web of relationships that support the health of a cultivated ecosystem. The Center will also become the home of an Academy for Culinary Arts and Sciences.
COMMUNITY INPUT & ENGAGEMENT
18 - How can community members give OUSD input about the Central Kitchen’s design, construction, operation, and programming?
If you would like to provide OUSD with your feedback about this project, have additional questions, or concerns, please send an email to thecenter@ousd.org or call (510) 761-8360. The calendar on this website will also advertise public meetings about this project. You can attend a public meeting and share your concerns there, as well.
18 - How can community members give OUSD input about the Central Kitchen’s design, construction, operation, and programming?
If you would like to provide OUSD with your feedback about this project, have additional questions, or concerns, please send an email to thecenter@ousd.org or call (510) 761-8360. The calendar on this website will also advertise public meetings about this project. You can attend a public meeting and share your concerns there, as well.
19 - Will there be a Project Committee for this project?
A Project Committee as defined in Board Policy 7155 would not be the best type of Committee to serve the needs of this particular project. Recognizing that the construction and operation of the Center impacts the local neighborhood, the District is inviting community members to become part of a Community Engagement Advisory Committee to allow community members to provide regular input to Facilities and Nutritional Services about the construction process, the future operation of the Center, and the design of phase 2 of the instructional farm.
A Project Committee as defined in Board Policy 7155 would not be the best type of Committee to serve the needs of this particular project. Recognizing that the construction and operation of the Center impacts the local neighborhood, the District is inviting community members to become part of a Community Engagement Advisory Committee to allow community members to provide regular input to Facilities and Nutritional Services about the construction process, the future operation of the Center, and the design of phase 2 of the instructional farm.
20 - How can I become a member of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee for this project?
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee for this project, please send a statement of interest to thecenter@ousd.org with the following information:
(1) your name;
(2) your contact information, including telephone number, email, and address; and
(3) a brief statement about your interest in the project and why you would like to serve on the committee. If you do not have email, please telephone (510) 761-8360 and leave a detailed message with all of the above information.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee for this project, please send a statement of interest to thecenter@ousd.org with the following information:
(1) your name;
(2) your contact information, including telephone number, email, and address; and
(3) a brief statement about your interest in the project and why you would like to serve on the committee. If you do not have email, please telephone (510) 761-8360 and leave a detailed message with all of the above information.
21 - How can I contribute input about OUSD’s efforts to upgrade facilities generally?
You may also contribute your input about how OUSD should prioritize in its efforts to upgrade facilities through an online survey available at the Facilities Master Plan website (www.ousd.k12.ca.us/facilitiesplan). Information about general design guidelines for all OUSD facilities are available at http://ousdmasterplan.mkthinkstrategy.info/design-guidelines.html.
You may also contribute your input about how OUSD should prioritize in its efforts to upgrade facilities through an online survey available at the Facilities Master Plan website (www.ousd.k12.ca.us/facilitiesplan). Information about general design guidelines for all OUSD facilities are available at http://ousdmasterplan.mkthinkstrategy.info/design-guidelines.html.
INFORMATION ABOUT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
22 - Will the construction of any of these projects provide jobs for local residents?
If so, how can I find out about construction jobs?
OUSD has a Project Labor Agreement that calls for hiring local residents. If you are a local resident interested in a construction-related job or apprenticeship on this project, please contact the West Oakland Job Resource Center (http://oaklandcommunityjobscenter.org) or Cypress Mandela Training Center (http://www.cypressmandela.org).
22 - Will the construction of any of these projects provide jobs for local residents?
If so, how can I find out about construction jobs?
OUSD has a Project Labor Agreement that calls for hiring local residents. If you are a local resident interested in a construction-related job or apprenticeship on this project, please contact the West Oakland Job Resource Center (http://oaklandcommunityjobscenter.org) or Cypress Mandela Training Center (http://www.cypressmandela.org).
23 - Beyond facility construction, what kinds of jobs will be created by these projects?
The operation of the Central Kitchen will employ Nutritional Service staff currently working at other sites. OUSD is exploring whether the Operation of the Central Commissary will add additional jobs. If you would like more information about job opportunities with OUSD, please go to this website:
http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=781.
The operation of the Central Kitchen will employ Nutritional Service staff currently working at other sites. OUSD is exploring whether the Operation of the Central Commissary will add additional jobs. If you would like more information about job opportunities with OUSD, please go to this website:
http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=781.
24 - Will any job or internship opportunities be created for OUSD students and youth?
Yes! The Center will provide on-the-job internship and youth entrepreneurship opportunities for OUSD high school students. The Center will enable the district—which employs more than 200 Nutrition Services Department staff members—to train students for jobs in school districts, hospitals, and other large service agencies, as well as providing guidance for students who seek entrepreneurial opportunities.
Yes! The Center will provide on-the-job internship and youth entrepreneurship opportunities for OUSD high school students. The Center will enable the district—which employs more than 200 Nutrition Services Department staff members—to train students for jobs in school districts, hospitals, and other large service agencies, as well as providing guidance for students who seek entrepreneurial opportunities.
PERMITTING INFORMATION
25 - Does this construction of this project require permits or approvals from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
The first phase of construction of this project does not require a permit from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department. The first phase of this project requires approval by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). The DSA provides design and construction oversight of school district properties. (Please go here for more information about the DSA: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/home.aspx. Please go here for more information about the DSA's jurisdiction: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/progProject/projsubmitplanning/juris.aspx.)
25 - Does this construction of this project require permits or approvals from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
The first phase of construction of this project does not require a permit from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department. The first phase of this project requires approval by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). The DSA provides design and construction oversight of school district properties. (Please go here for more information about the DSA: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/home.aspx. Please go here for more information about the DSA's jurisdiction: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/progProject/projsubmitplanning/juris.aspx.)
26 - What about the Instructional Farm, does that type of agricultural activity require approval from the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department?
The agricultural activity planned as part of the Instructional Farm, and as part of the first phase of construction, will be limited to the growing of crops on an area that is just under 1 acre. This activity is considered to be limited agricultural activity and is permitted by right. OUSD has conferred with planners in the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department and these planners have confirmed that this activity is permitted by right.
The agricultural activity planned as part of the Instructional Farm, and as part of the first phase of construction, will be limited to the growing of crops on an area that is just under 1 acre. This activity is considered to be limited agricultural activity and is permitted by right. OUSD has conferred with planners in the City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department and these planners have confirmed that this activity is permitted by right.
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