Board explores land lab concept, will ask county to engage on Purdue property

Board members who toured a Giles County land lab described a hands-on agricultural learning site and asked the Board of Supervisors to engage with the district about using the Purdue property behind Franklin County High School for a similar land lab.

Curtis Bumgardner summarized the Giles visit: the facility (about 35 acres) includes livestock (cattle, sheep, chickens, goats), two greenhouses, outbuildings, donated structures and a full-time farm manager who maintains operations and integrates farm work into classes. Giles staff said students visit the land lab daily to complete agricultural, science and trade-related tasks; the site also provides produce and meat used in school meals.

District staff had drafted a memorandum to the Board of Supervisors asking them to pause or consider the sale of the Purdue property while the schools explore land-lab use. Board members discussed whether to ask for a formal delay of sale or simply request prompt engagement; some members recommended modifying the wording to ask the supervisors to engage with the school division before finalizing any transaction. The board consensus was to send the memo as revised and to pursue community and Farm Bureau support to secure materials and local partners.

Staff noted a land lab would require donated materials and a full-time farm manager (a 12-month position) in addition to facility improvements; the board acknowledged potential costs but emphasized curriculum, CTE and community benefits if a site can be secured.