Board hears agri‑science recruitment update; approves FFA national trip

The Regional School District 12 Board of Education on April 6 heard a detailed recruitment and program update for its agri‑science program from instructor Tyler Kremens and approved a student trip to the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis.

Kremens told the board the program is showing stronger student engagement despite fewer applicants this year. Applications declined to 88 from 107 the previous year, but Kremens said the admitted cohort demonstrated stronger, more consistent interest; the department admitted 55 incoming eighth‑grade students (plus one rising junior) and expects next year’s enrollment to rise to about 178. He said the program aims for roughly 50 committed students per grade — about 200 students overall — and said the district would consider hiring another full‑time teacher when enrollment approaches the statutory threshold of 35 students per teacher (roughly 210 students).

“Kids like our teachers and because of that they learn from them,” Kremens said, highlighting lower attrition and expanding student leadership through new FFA committees. He described recent program wins — three national teams competed, and one student placed ninth nationally in a food science contest — plus a donated skid steer for shop work and expanded partnerships with the Bridgewater Land Trust and Roxberry Vet Clinic.

Board members asked about plant science course offerings, certification options, and recruitment tactics. Kremens said the department introduced more rigorous interview questions this year and clarified SAPE (supervised agricultural experience) expectations in order to admit students who understand program requirements.

During new business, FFA advisor Megan Barry asked the board to approve the national convention trip. Barry said the district would take about 35–40 students with four adults, and that families would be asked to contribute about $300 per student; fundraising and a parents/friends alumni scholarship fund were available to cover costs for families who could not pay. The board moved, seconded and approved the trip; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.

The board also praised the staff’s efforts running the fall expo and other community events, and several members urged continued outreach to local markets and events to showcase student work.

The board did not amend policy or funding during the presentation; the vote on the trip was the formal action recorded. The meeting proceeded to student presentations and later business.