Harrisburg board reopens debate over Joshua Farm license; motion to extend set for Jan. 28

Harrisburg City School District officials reopened discussion on Jan. 14 about whether to reverse a November decision to terminate the licensing agreement with Wildheart Ministries for the small parcel known as Joshua Farm at 213 South 18th Street.

The district receiver, Dr. Suskey, summarized recent outreach and recommended reconsidering the termination so students and the community can continue to access the farm while the board decides the property’s future. “If the board wishes to hold on to this piece of land, then why not allow Wildheart to continue its work through the 2025 year and beyond until such time that the board makes a decision to do something with the property?” Dr. Suskey said.

The discussion followed public comments urging the district to preserve the farm’s programming and local food production. A student and district social worker had previously told the board that students were scheduled to participate on the farm, and speakers described grant-funded work and partnerships with Penn State Extension and Dauphin County Economic Development.

Why it matters: board members said the issue exposed gaps in the district’s decision-making process and information gathering. Several members said earlier votes were taken without adequate details on community benefits, student access, and outside support, and they favored delaying a final sale while gathering fuller information.

Board members and the superintendent described options explored by administration since the November vote. Superintendent Dr. Henry said the district examined potential uses for the parcel, including building an officer station (cost estimates $1.8–$2.3 million) or converting the lot into a sports field (estimated roughly $200,000), but noted logistics—transportation, security and portable restroom needs—limit immediate conversion into an athletic facility.

Board members voiced support for allowing Wildheart to remain on the site at least through the 2025 school year. "If something isn't broken, don't fix it," Vice President Miss Anderson said, urging more time to evaluate. Several other board members recommended extending the license or negotiating a sale to Wildheart if a fair market price is reached.

What’s next: The board announced it will place a formal motion on the Jan. 28 agenda to extend the license agreement through Dec. 31, 2025, with an option for annual renewal. No final vote occurred Jan. 14.

Community context and concerns: Public commenters, including Pastor Earl Harris and Claude Phipps, emphasized local hiring and food access in Allison Hill, and noted the farm’s role in providing produce in what community members described as a food-desert area. The receiver and superintendent said the district learned Wildheart had received outside grant support (amount not specified in the meeting) and that Penn State Extension had been involved.

Administrative process note: Board members and the receiver said the dispute highlighted the need for a clearer decision-making protocol and better information collection before reaching irreversible outcomes. The board plans to hear a presentation from Penn State Extension and the Wildheart partners at a future meeting to provide additional context before acting.

Ending: No final action was taken Jan. 14; the matter will return for a formal motion and vote at the Jan. 28 general business meeting, when the board will formally consider extending the license or pursuing a sale.