Board accepts $104,287 plant-systems grant to create greenhouse and 1 FTE ag position, funds to come from declining-enrollment account

The Gravette School District board approved a State of Arkansas plant-systems grant to establish a greenhouse/plant-systems program and to fund a 1.0 FTE agriculture position for the 2026–27 school year.

Staff told the board the grant award is about $104,287.17 and that the state typically funds up to 85% of estimated start-up costs; the district signed required assurances committing to provide at least the remaining 15% and to implement the program in the coming school year. A staff member summarized estimated full implementation costs (including equipment, dirt work and a concrete pad) and said some local construction or in-district work could reduce cash expenditures.

Board members moved and passed an amendment to the grant motion to make clear that the district's match would be drawn from declining-enrollment funds; the chair then called the amended motion and the board approved the request by voice vote.

Supporters said the greenhouse and expanded ag offerings would create new elective opportunities and could generate small fundraising revenue through plant sales. One board member noted the grant amount was unusually large compared with most start-up awards across the state and commended staff for securing it.

The board's approval included creating a new full-time middle-school agriculture position and moving personnel assignments to accommodate the offering; staff said details about the instructor and program schedule would be finalized in follow-up implementation planning.