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Marion students showcase Agrobuzz program, outline CTE expansion and FFA activities
Summary
Agrobuzz students described classroom projects, SAE research, animal-care work and upcoming FFA competitions; administrators said the program will expand next year to include ninth and tenth graders and pursue CTE satellite status.
Students from the Agrobuzz program presented to the Marion Central School District Board of Education on April 8, describing hands-on coursework, FFA activities and plans to expand the program to more grades and regional partners.
The presentation was introduced alongside ag teacher Mrs. Lochner. Student Cody Chandler, who identified himself to the board, described the program’s animal room, plant-science classes and community partnerships with organizations such as Cracker Box; other students detailed SAE (supervised agricultural experience) projects including research on lamb fetal growth, comparisons of laying hens to meat birds and ag-mechanics work such as welding and tractor maintenance.
Why it matters: administrators said the district intends to grow the program regionally as a CTE satellite site, offering two CTE certification pathways over two years. Presenters noted that tuition for out-of-district students is charged for the program (district figures discussed in the meeting estimated roughly $24,000 per student), meaning program growth could bring both educational opportunities and revenue to the district.
Students also highlighted co-curricular events — the FFA week and FFA day where animals visit the school, community service work at Cracker Box, and competitive participation in LDEs and CDEs. The group is attending state competitions in Cobleskill and earlier visited Cornell research facilities and SUNY Cobleskill for college exploration.
Board members asked whether Agrobuzz sells some products; students clarified students take wreaths home with families and that earlier sales conflicted with other fundraisers, though other fundraising (meat sticks, shirts, flower sales, fruit and cheese) supports programs.
Administrators said program expansion will open agribusiness and large-animal pathways next year and that the district expects to offer the program to ninth and tenth graders; they noted that small cohorts (about four out-of-district students) can generate meaningful tuition revenue (the presenters estimated roughly $100,000 per four students). The board thanked the students for their presentation and invited continued updates as the CTE planning progresses.
The presentation provided a concrete example of how hands-on CTE programming is being used to broaden student opportunities and to potentially offset budget pressures through tuition and shared services.
