Garfield Heights to launch agricultural-science CTE program in fall with local and regional partners

The Garfield Heights City School District on June 16 presented plans to launch an agricultural-science career-technical education (CTE) program in the coming school year, with district staff and a business advisory council detailing curriculum partnerships and early student enrollment.

Yolanda Hamilton and Tim Hurd of the Educational Advancement Department described curriculum development and community partnerships that the presenters said secured state approval and built a support network for the program. "There is a want and a need for this program," Hamilton said, noting that schedules and initial enrollments are in place.

Hamilton said the department has 62 students showing interest and about 70 students already enrolled in the inaugural classes. She identified Mr. Pavlik as the lead agricultural science teacher for the program and described work on a business advisory council to provide experiential learning, apprenticeships and postsecondary connections.

Sean Terry, identified in the presentation as the state director for Ohio for the Trust for Public Land, told the board the nonprofit has experience converting school grounds into outdoor learning spaces and community schoolyards. "Our mission is really rooted in connecting everyone to the outdoors," Terry said, describing the organization's community schoolyard model and experience with urban conservation and schoolyard gardens.

Program partners listed during the presentation included Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC), Ohio State University AgTech, Cleveland Roots, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Case Western University Farm, Cleveland State University and other local organizations. Presenters said the district is seeking philanthropic and grant support to expand hydroponics and outdoor learning spaces, including an upcoming GROW grant application and other small grants.

Superintendent Dr. Reynolds told the board CTE offerings should be available across district grade levels and praised the partnerships that aided state approval. Board members asked no formal questions that led to votes; presenters said hiring and schedules are in place for fall and the district will continue to develop the advisory council and secure supplemental funding.