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Staff outlines "Union Farm" plan and clarifies 529 contribution policy
Summary
Staff briefed the Union School Corporation board on a planned "Union Farm" project involving barn renovations, pens and a five-acre field for student involvement, and clarified that the board's 529 contributions are awards for students enrolled as of Aug. 31 rather than attendance or grade bonuses.
District staff updated the board on a planned "Union Farm" project and clarified the board's earlier declaration to contribute to student 529 accounts.
"We're excited about the Union farm," the staff member said, describing steps already taken: the district purchased Mort's Garage, had the back barn floor concreted, prepared pens and cleared and tilled a five-acre field where hay seed has been planted. Staff said students will help operate and care for animals and that more information will be shared as the project progresses.
The staff member explained the project ties to FFA activities and student learning opportunities. Staff also noted existing rabbits in a courtyard that students help care for.
On 529 contributions, staff clarified that the board's earlier declaration means the district will make a contribution to students' 529 college-savings plans. "It's not an attendance bonus. It's not a grades bonus. It's just an award from this board," the staff member said, and added that any student enrolled as of Aug. 31 will be eligible for the award. No dollar amounts or funding sources were specified in the meeting record.
The board received these updates as part of routine announcements; staff also invited board members to a Region 6 ISBA district meeting and provided registration details.
Staff said additional information about the Union Farm and the 529 contribution process will be provided in future updates to the board.
