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Board backs school gardens policy but flags maintenance concerns
Summary
The board reviewed a new policy authorizing school gardens, greenhouses and farms (BP 6163.4). Trustees supported encouraging gardens but warned about maintenance burdens and summer upkeep and asked administration to clarify operational responsibilities.
The board received a new ASB model policy on school gardens, greenhouses and farms. Miss Dillard said the district did not previously have a matching policy and presented the model language edited for district practice.
Trustee Miss Julian welcomed the policy and noted many schools already host gardens and volunteer networks that support them. Mister Burgess proposed adding language that the board “authorizes and encourages” establishment and operation of gardens and suggested including potential community partners such as local farms. Mister Doran cautioned that gardens require ongoing maintenance and that schools undertaking gardens shoulder much of the work, including summer care and facilities impacts — he recommended the policy make clear operational responsibilities to avoid unsustainable practices.
Trustees agreed that an encouragement statement would fit the policy and asked administration to return a draft with clarified roles for schools, volunteers and facilities staff. No formal action was taken.
