During the public-comment period a parent, Samantha Eckert, asked Lycoming County commissioners to ensure funding for a PA Friends of Agriculture mobile agricultural education lab scheduled to visit Cochran Primary School later this month.

Eckert said she learned of the opportunity through her school’s PTO and that she understood the county had previously applied for and approved funding for the visit. "I care more about, please, getting it funded so that the kids can have this really cool opportunity," she told the board, adding that the hands-on program could expose students to agricultural work and spark lasting interest.

Eckert said she was speaking for herself as a parent and asked commissioners to clarify why the approved funding was not provided. County staff did not provide a detailed funding timeline during the public comment; online commenters later asked for clarification about funds presented to local schools for mobile ag education and whether those dollars were distributed.

What happens next: commissioners did not record a formal vote on the comment; staff or relevant offices will need to follow up to confirm whether previously approved funds remain available and how to ensure the program occurs as scheduled.