Students, farmers and legislators urge board to expand Southern High's agricultural program to countywide enrollment
November 05, 2025 | Anne Arundel County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland
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Sierra Christie, a former Southern FFA participant, said the program "connects students to the land, to our local farm community, and to the roots of Anne Arundel County's rural heritage." She asked the board to "consider expanding enrollment and keep this program rooted at Southern High School where it can continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders."
Delegate Seth Howard, deputy minority whip in the Maryland General Assembly, told trustees the program supports Maryland's largest industry and that county and state partners — including the Farm Bureau, Department of Agriculture and the county's economic development entities — are ready to help. "Expansion will open doors for more students and strengthen both our local economy and our food supply," he said.
Local farming leaders and the Farm Bureau president said students are being shut out of agricultural training in the county and that access to hands-on farm resources and mentors is limited at many schools. Speakers described the program as a leadership pipeline and urged the board to change enrollment policy so interested students across the county can participate.
The board did not take action on public comment; members heard the speakers during the public comment period and thanked them for their input. Staff and trustees said the testimony will be forwarded to the superintendent for follow-up.
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