Bedford High senior builds hydroponic greenhouse system, eyes cafeteria partnership

A Bedford High School senior presented a yearlong senior project to the school committee on May 28, describing construction of a hydroponic growing system for the school's greenhouse and plans to make the installation sustainable beyond his graduation.

Harrison Sachs told the committee he designed and built a 9-foot wooden frame housing four PVC pipes with a total of 74 planting holes, a recirculating pump and reservoir, and decodable operational procedures. He said the project was funded by a grant from the Bedford Education Foundation and supported by teachers and staff who helped with woodworking, supervision and curriculum tie-ins.

Sachs said the system will allow year-round student access to urban agriculture techniques and reduce water use compared with conventional agriculture; he described plans for the BHS Horticulture Club to manage the system and for a future greenhouse internship position that would handle weekly maintenance and nutrient testing.

Parents and committee members praised the student's initiative and feasibility plan. A committee member suggested exploring a community-supported agriculture (CSA) model; Sachs said the idea appealed to him and that he had already discussed local food-service connections with the school’s cafeteria director.

The school committee did not take action on the presentation; members thanked the student and encouraged follow-up on curriculum integration and publication of materials so the project can be sustained and expanded.