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Willow Springs FFA alumni and students urge board to keep two agriculture teachers
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Summary
Alumni, teachers and students urged the Willow Springs R‑IV school board to retain two agriculture instructors, warning a one‑teacher model would cut hands‑on classes, contests and career pathways. Speakers cited program enrollment and more than $500,000 in grant funds.
Tony Buster, secretary of the Willow Springs FFA Alumni, told the school board the district’s agricultural program is a “cornerstone of workforce development, leadership training and community identity” and argued that two certified ag instructors are required to sustain it.
Buster outlined why the program needs two advisors, saying advisers manage year‑round supervised agriculture experiences, livestock care, contest coordination and contests. “To maintain this level of impact, a strong 2 adviser program is vital,” Buster said, warning that a single‑advisor approach increases burnout and would cut student opportunities.
In a written statement read to the board, Brent Talbert described turning the ag program around since 2019, saying the department has earned national recognition and “brought in over $500,000 in grant funds.” Talbert gave enrollment numbers — “100 high school students and 81 eighth grade students under our program” — and asked the board not to terminate the second ag teacher now. “Do not vote on terminating the ag teacher position tonight. I implore you to table the motion until the February 2027 meeting,” he said.
Student leaders also addressed the board. Katie Spence, Willow Springs FFA chapter president, told members that FFA provides classes such as welding, veterinary science and greenhouse operation that qualify as agricultural coursework only when taught by certified ag instructors. “FFA has changed my life,” she said, adding that losing a certified teacher would prevent students from joining FFA and participating in state and national events.
Board members acknowledged the program’s community value and said budget pressures require careful consideration. No formal motion to cut the position was recorded during public comment; administration has placed staffing and budget items on the agenda for future deliberation. The board did not take final action on ag staffing at the meeting.
Looking ahead, members said they will review budget projections, enrollment trends and potential options to preserve programming, and the board will consider further discussion and possible motions at upcoming meetings.
