North Stokes teacher requests $125K–$130K kitchen and apparel lab update for growing CTE enrollments

Mister Vernon told the Stokes County Schools board on March 2 that North Stokes High urgently needs a renovation of its family and consumer sciences classroom.

"Our food and consumer science is one of our largest growing classes. It's up 150% since 2021," Vernon said, and described the current facilities as having porous wood laminate surfaces that do not meet the sanitary and safety standards taught in class. He asked the board to consider investing in stainless-steel surfaces, new cabinets and revised electrical to support updated equipment.

Vernon said the architect is preparing concrete figures but provided a rough estimate of $125,000–$130,000 to renovate the apparel and kitchen portions of the classroom, including new countertops and storage. He added that appliances would be funded through the CTE appliance budget and therefore were not included in the requested capital amount.

Board members praised the program's outcomes: one trustee noted that several graduates have become pastry chefs and restaurant staff, and another trustee volunteered to serve as a judge at a student cook-off. The chair confirmed the last renovation was several decades ago, citing 1973 as the likely build date for the facility.

Next steps: the architect will finalize numbers and Vernon will return with a more detailed proposal for the board and staff to consider in upcoming capital and R&R planning.