SCSD2 greenhouse, woodshop dust-collector and playground projects advance; SCF reports $60,000 for student programs

At the board's facilities update, district facilities staff described ongoing projects that affect food, career-technical and outdoor learning.

Mr. Decker said the woodshop dust-collector project is at about 35% design with a design meeting scheduled for Thursday and involvement from the woodshop teacher, custodial and maintenance staff. "We're at 35% design," he said, adding that design details may change as the team refines equipment layout.

Decker provided a greenhouse update: the district is hauling topsoil and compost to fill 28 raised beds and plans to begin planting in September, with the goal of full harvest and cafeteria supply by January. He said the greenhouse supplies were funded primarily by a T-Mobile Hometown grant with supplemental funds from the Whole Kids Garden grant. "We plan to begin planting toward the September... Harvest ... we expect it to be in full swing by January supplying SCSD2 cafeterias with fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries throughout the school year," Decker said.

He also reported the Highland Park exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) work is progressing ahead of winter and recapped a ribbon cutting at Story school where students enjoyed new playground equipment.

In a separate report, a representative of the Sheridan Community Education Foundation (SCF) thanked recent donors (Janet Scott Foundation, Perkins Foundation, Fayer Charitable Foundation, Kibbe Foundation) and said SCF’s balance is around $60,000, with those funds tagged to support specified programs such as the 5th Street project and student emergency and educational grant funds.

What happens next: designers will continue the dust-collector design process; greenhouse planting will begin in September and the district expects cafeteria distribution by January. SCF will continue to direct restricted donations to identified programs.