Plans for the Agricultural Technology Center recently took a big step forward.

Trustees of the Ripon Unified School District approved PBK Architects to handle the proposed the two-story Careers Technical Education building at Ripon High at the June 21 meeting.

PBK, in handling this lease-leaseback project, will coordinate efforts with the subconsultant services of the civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, plumbing & fire sprinkler design, electrical engineers & low voltage, and food service design.

Andy Strickland, who is Ripon Unified’s Director of Facilities, Operations & Safety Services, has been working with PBK.

He provided an update at Monday’s school board meeting.

Tentative plans call for the construction of the building to take place along backside of the Otis Kingery Vocational Center.

Over the past year, the project was adjusted in scope to include a separate building of three additional classrooms and parking lot improvements at the north end of the campus, according to PBK.

CTE is part of the district’s Facilities Assessment and Implementation master plan that calls for providing a variety of career pathway courses for RHS students.

This includes ag mechanics, ag science, ag business, culinary arts, software & systems development, and patient care.