KCSOS and county collaborate on complex

scomplex021: KCSOS and county collaborate on complexThe Southeast Bakersfield Community Services Center – a joint project between the county of Kern and county superintendent/board of education – has broken ground and construction is under way.

Located at East Belle Terrace and Cottonwood Road, just southwest of the Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center, the southeast center will house multiple agencies that provide services to children and their families. These include the county’s Career Services Center, human services, mental health and health services. A child care center also is planned for the building.

The building is being constructed under the supervision of Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) office which also will maintain the facility once the construction is completed. During the groundbreaking ceremony held July 25, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider called the project an example of “. . . agencies collaborating together on behalf of children and their families.”

Kern County Board of Education President Milo Hall said the center will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood due to its close proximity to the Richardson Center and our target population. Also in attendance was Board of Education member Bertha Bruschi. Reider, Hall and Bruschi were among those who turned the first shovels of dirt that officially launched the project.

The two-story building will contain 63,000 square feet. Parking will be provided for approximately 300 vehicles, and property has been set aside for future expansion. About 250 people will work in the center and serve an estimated 400 clients each work day. Supervisor Pete Parra expressed hope that the partnership and public participation will spur private sector investment.

The $15 million project is financed with certificates of participation, paid for by the county agencies occupying the building and issued by a joint powers authority created by KCSOS and the county. No general fund money will be used. In addition, the county superintendent will be paid by the county to maintain the building.
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