The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s site committee met this week ahead of the upcoming board meeting, with much of the discussion centered on a proposed addition to the high school’s agricultural education program.
Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ethan Faeth, joined by student officers Caden Mullen and Kyle Campbell, presented details on a planned 24-by-48-foot greenhouse. The structure would provide year-round, hands-on learning opportunities for students, particularly those who do not have access to traditional farm projects required for FFA’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs.
Faeth explained that the greenhouse would feature modern irrigation, ventilation, and temperature control systems, allowing students to conduct experiments, grow flowers for fundraisers, and even support school community efforts such as providing plants for bereavement gifts. “This would give students who don’t live on a farm the chance to pursue their SAE projects right here at school,” Faeth told the committee.
The project is estimated at about $102,000, including construction, site preparation, and a concrete slab. Funding would draw in part from a $229,000 career and technical education grant awarded by Continental just before the pandemic. The greenhouse would be located on the east side of the high school, near the existing FFA garden, with water and power already accessible at the site.
If approved by the school board on Monday, the district would move forward with site preparation, state approval, and ordering the greenhouse structure.
Also during the meeting, Faeth outlined plans for the annual FFA trip to the National Convention in Indianapolis, set for October 28 through November 1. Fourteen students are expected to attend, gaining opportunities to network with peers from across the country, explore career paths, and tour agricultural facilities.
The committee also heard updates on broader district facility planning. Superintendent John Henriksen reported that Dr. Steve Murley will lead a facilities master planning process beginning in October, with six community meetings scheduled to gather input. The goal is to deliver a final report to the board by January.
Discussion then turned to the P.E.O. Memorial Building, with steps moving forward on hazardous materials testing and eventual demolition. Early estimates place abatement and demolition costs at up to $500,000, depending on the presence of asbestos in the roof materials. Work could begin in November and conclude by the end of the year.
The school board is expected to vote on the greenhouse proposal and other facility matters at its next meeting on Monday.