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Monticello launches FFA chapter; board approves two overnight contest trips
Summary
The board approved two overnight trips for the newly established FFA chapter and heard a detailed presentation from new ag teacher Jacob Wilts about program classes, hands-on labs and planned growth. The board voted 6-0 to authorize the travel requests.
Monticello —4 The Monticello School Board unanimously approved overnight travel requests for the district—s new Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter after hearing a presentation from Ag teacher Jacob Wilts about curriculum, student membership and program plans.
Wilts, the district—s new agriculture teacher and a 2016 Monticello graduate, told the board the FFA is a co-curricular program that complements classroom instruction with supervised agriculture experiences and leadership development. He said the chapter has 27 members after roughly three months of activity and that events include monthly chapter meetings, fundraisers, CDE/LDE competitions, a corn drive, and county- and state-level contests.
Wilts requested approval for two overnight contests: the Ag Bowl (early February at Minnesota colleges) and Little I (March at South Dakota State University) so students can participate in second contests that build contest readiness and qualification chances for state events. He outlined transportation plans (district vans), fundraising offsets for student costs and adult chaperones. "We do many CDE and LDE competitions," Wilts said, explaining the variety of contest types and the education value of repeated competitive experience.
Board members asked about summer care for the proposed school garden and long-term facility needs such as a greenhouse. Wilts estimated a full-year greenhouse suitable for a 20-to-25-student class would cost in the range of $200,000 to $250,000 (structure costs often lower but site, concrete and utilities increase the total); he said smaller infrastructure items and grant research are underway.
Mark Branson moved to approve the FFA overnight trip requests as presented; Melissa Curtis seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
The board encouraged Wilts to return with updates and to explore community partnerships for summer work and facility development.
