The Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees recently announced the acquisition of a warehouse facility for the relocation and consolidation of district services.

The28,000 square-foot warehouse cost $ 1.75 million to buy and it will house the Maintenance Department, Information Systems Department, Duplication Department and Warehouse divisions. Eventually, the facility will likely house the Child Nutrition Services’ central kitchen.

Funding for the facility came from TUSD’s special reserve fund for capital improvement projects and redevelopment funds. The acquisition will have no impact on TUSD’s general fund.

Currently, TUSD is renting an 8,400 square-foot storage and maintenance facility for $34,000 a month and service departments are spread throughout the district at various locations.

“We are looking at the move as a savings in that we (TUSD) will own the property and get out of a rental. By consolidating services into one location, we will increase productivity and accountability,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Ed Felt.

The newly acquired facility sits on 2.5 acres of land at 2570 Acme Ct. in the southwest side of town. Felt said the land around the warehouse can be used to store district vehicles. Current district equipment and vehicles are stored at two locations on Colorado Avenue by Turlock High School. Felt added that those two locations could be turned into parking lots for increased parking capacity by the school and the district office.

The move is expected to be completed by the end of October. Approximately 5,500 square feet of the facility will be designated for office space. FNJ Architects, a consultant hired by TUSD, is currently planning a layout schematic for the offices.

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.