Board approves purchase of four portable greenhouses for Mountain Oaks Agriscience lab

Mountain Oaks High School Principal Paul Shoaf proposed establishing an Agriscience Instructional Lab consisting of four portable greenhouses to transition science instruction toward hands‑on, evidence‑based labs. Shoaf told the board the structures are portable and therefore do not require DSA approval, and he said the goal is to "improve science scores, reduce chronic absenteeism, and strengthen CTE pathways." He then stated, "Four greenhouses will be purchased." Trustee Seth Waltner moved to approve the project; Trustee Jack Thornburg seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor.

The proposal frames the greenhouses as a hands-on CTE enhancement rather than a permanent building project. The board approved the purchase but did not provide detailed procurement timelines or vendor names at the meeting; staff are expected to follow standard purchasing procedures and return with implementation details if required.