A community-led proposal for a hydroponic farming pilot at Little Rock Southwest High School drew a positive reception during the Nov. 13 work session.

Miss Montgomery introduced Terrence Bolden, owner of Innovative Solutions Intelligence Group, who proposed a three-year hydroponic "living laboratory" that integrates STEM, automation and nutrition into existing pathways at Southwest. Bolden said partners that have agreed to support the pilot include the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), the Farm Bureau, Richland Foods, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Arkansas Highway Department; he said those partners have provided letters of support and that none have requested district cash.

Bolden outlined a timeline: initial partner onboarding and setup (already in motion), implementation of growing containers and integration with AI and robotics in year two, and scaling and sustainability in year three. He cited a pilot fee of $15,000 spread over two years to cover digital setup and reporting; ongoing operations would rely on grants, partner donations and grant-writing assistance the group said it would provide.

Benefits described by presenters included internship and certification opportunities, potential cafeteria integration of locally grown produce, workforce pathways (including drone pilot licenses and ag-related certifications), and entrepreneurship possibilities for students. Bolden estimated yields to convey the economic potential but presenters noted actual output and revenues will depend on program scale and operations.

Questions from board members focused on enrollment scope (participation will be interest-driven and integrated into existing pathways), how drones and robotics would be used and whether the district's existing equipment and curriculum could be leveraged. District staff said they will examine program details, the proposed partnership agreements and any budget implications.

What happens next: district staff will review partner letters, the proposed budget and implementation plan and report back to the board; presenters indicated they are ready to move quickly if the district approves a pilot.

Reported by: Miss Montgomery, Terrence Bolden, UAPB contacts.