Castro Valley School District Defends Decision To Buy $14K Espresso Machine

CASTRO VALLEY (KPIX 5) -- The Castro Valley Unified School District is taking some heat for approving the purchase of a $14,000 espresso machine.

Some postings on social media call it a waste of money. One Facebook user said, "There is no good explanation for a $14,000 espresso machine bought with district money -- period!!!!!"

But at a public meeting Thursday night, school board members explained that the new commercial machine will enable the district to start catering its own events and bring in more revenue.

One board member said not only will it save money, it will save an important job at the school.

"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."

The board approved the purchase of the machine unanimously Thursday night. The money comes out of a separate fund with the child nutrition department.