Cook County Schools ISD 166 hosted an Open House Friday of the upgraded Science Department and the new Culinary Arts Department.

Dr. William Crandall, Superintendent of the Cook County School District was on hand to give guided tours of the new space.

Jason Gesch was proud to showcase the new state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Department.  His classes started using the new space in November. It’s licensed through the State of Minnesota as a commercial kitchen and includes 2 commercial sized freezers.  

Jason said the new area has generated a lot of student interest as class sizes have grown from 15 to 31. All students are welcome regardless of their level of cooking experience.

 A shot of the new Culinary Arts Facilities at the Cook County Schools.

Four classrooms in the Science Department were renovated into 3 upgraded rooms for Chemistry, Biology and Physical Science/Life Science.  

Chemistry Instructor Chad Benesch showcases the new Science Area at Cook County Schools.

 Community members take in the beautiful new design of the Science Department.

Both the Culinary Arts Department and Science Departments were designed by Architectural Resources Inc., Duluth.  Ryan Erspamer, Architect/Principal estimates the project at $2.7M.  Construction began May 1, 2018. The Science Department was completed in September and the Culinary Arts area in October.