With increasing responsibilities as well as the increase in number of schools serviced by the National School Lunch Program space for staff and equipment needed to support our program was severely lacking. In 2008 the forecasted need was very apparent and by 2009 plans were in motion to move forward in phases to accommodate this need. One of the largest square footage need was for the Equipment and Facilities Team to include both warehousing and staff housing. The relocation of the Equipment and Facilities Team staff members to an unused portion of the North County Services Center would provide an opportunity for additional and more effective staff movement to include the Field Specialists and the Technology Team.
Phase I: The need to relocate our equipment warehouse housed at a District site in Jupiter Farms to the School Food Service Office in Riviera Beach had been discussed for three years. In 2002 School Food Service presented a plan of action to the Chief Operating Officer and the Real Estate Department to utilize the abandon warehouses on the District owned Jupiter Farms property. This property would support us in our recycling and reuse of equipment program. The location was offered and accepted as it was able to meet the needs of our program with minimal budget impact. This was a collaborative effort that has paid dividends since its inception. In the latter part of 2008 through the beginning of 2009 as the Equipment and Facilities Team and responsibilities grew it was determined that other options needed to be investigated. Efficiencies were identified and needed for; reducing drive time, decreasing mileage put on vehicles weekly, and reduction of fuel consumption; a new focus was required. Working collaboratively with Facilities and the Building Department to aggressively move forward with this began to enable space requirements to be worked out, plans, and permits to be secured to start moving forward with a centralized warehouse.
All plans and permitting had been approved and construction of warehouse and office spaces had begun during the summer break in 2012. In April of 2013 the warehouse and office place received TCO and the team started to move in. The removal and relocation of equipment from Jupiter Farms to the Riviera Beach site would be spread out through mid-June to allow in house technicians to participate and reduce the amount of outsourced labor for relocating equipment. All items were relocated by June 20, 2013.
Phase II: The area for the Technology Team was specified and prepared. The District Design Specialists laid out the work station needs and adjustments were made. The finalization of selection and order placement will take place right after the 2013-2014 school year begins. The design section of the Technology team will meet with the District Architect and Electrical Engineer to address equipment utility needs in that area right after the start of school as well. Once these items have been finalized and furniture has been received and doorway modifications completed the respective Teams will be able to occupy their much needed space. It is currently anticipated that this will be completed by the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Future: School Food Service will always endeavor to evaluate all aspects to accommodate program needs and opportunities to increase efficiencies. Sufficient work space to accommodate necessary staff and equipment will always be taken into consideration and efforts to make arrangements to accommodate those needs will always be made.
