California School District Spends $14K On Espresso Machine, Calls It ‘An Investment’
The Castro Valley Unified School District in California just spent $14,000 to buy an espresso machine, but despite the criticism, the district’s officials are standing by their expensive decision.
The espresso machine was a hot topic of conversation at a recent meeting of the school district. Many local taxpayers were upset at the seemingly frivolous purchase, especially at a time when school budgets are being slashed across the country. But board members defended the decision to purchase the machine, saying it is an investment into the school and will save an important job.
“We have a 14.5 hour position in the child nutrition department that we are working really hard to keep,” said Assistant Superintendent Candi Clark. “This is an opportunity to keep that position.”
Another board member said the $14,000 espresso machine will also allow the district to cater its own events, which will save money in the long run.
But many still disagree. Online, many spoke out against the Castro Valley Unified School District, saying that the school was foolish in its purchase.”There is no good explanation for a $14,000 espresso machine bought with district money — period!!!!!” one Facebook user wrote. Others pointed out that with a focus on childhood health and fitness, an espresso machine adds nothing of nutritional value. The controversy comes as schools in California have been slashing budgets and cutting positions. A total of 35,000 teachers have been fired in the past four years statewide, and the state could be cutting another $6 billion more if a budget initiative raising taxes on the wealthy does not pass.
In the end, the Castro Valley Unified School District and its board did not buy the arguments against the purchase. During Thursday’s meeting, the board approved the purchase of the $14,000 espresso machine. School officials said the money for the espresso machine purchase will come from a separate fund that is part of the student nutrition department.
