District greenhouse project funded by T‑Mobile grant; woodshop dust‑collector design moves forward

District staff told trustees the new school greenhouse is being prepared to plant 28 raised beds this fall, with harvests expected to supply district cafeterias beginning in January. The greenhouse supplies have been funded primarily by a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant with supplemental funding from the Whole Kids Garden grant, the board heard.

Why it matters: the greenhouse is intended to provide fresh produce to school cafeterias and hands‑on learning in biology, ecology and consumer sciences, district staff said. Trustees said the project showcases community partnerships and curriculum connections.

Mr. Decker, a district facilities staff member, described ongoing work on a separate capital project: a woodshop dust‑collector funded through the state capital component process. The project is at approximately 35% design and the first design meeting with teachers, custodial and maintenance staff, the principal and design professionals is scheduled for Thursday.

Decker read an update from Shaylee Cooper, greenhouse staff, who said: “After much planning and preparation, the greenhouse staff is in the process of hauling in topsoil and compost to fill 28 raised garden beds. We plan to begin planting toward September… Harvest from this new growing area, we expect it to be in full swing by January supplying SCSD2 cafeterias with fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries throughout the school year.”

The facilities report also noted exterior insulation and finish system work (EIFS) at Highland Park is progressing and may finish before winter, and staff thanked volunteers and the maintenance team for assembling the greenhouse and preparing planting beds.

Separately, a representative of the Sheridan Community Education Foundation (SCF) told trustees the foundation’s balance is about $60,000 and listed recent donations: the Janet Scott Foundation for the Fifth Street project; the Perkins Foundation for the Student Emergency Fund and educational grants; the Fayer Charitable Foundation to fund audiobooks in pre‑K; and the Kibbe Foundation to support Girls on the Run. The SCF representative said those funds are tagged to support specific programs in the district.

Trustees who had visited the Story playground described a recent ribbon cutting and praised volunteers and students for enjoying the new equipment.

No formal board action was taken on these facilities updates; trustees received the reports and asked clarifying questions about timelines and project stakeholder involvement.