(Griswold) — A proposed agricultural facility is moving forward as part of the Griswold Community School District’s strategic plan. Superintendent Dave Henrichs says the project would create new opportunities for innovative, hands-on learning for students.
Members of the steering committee presented the proposal to the Griswold School Board on Monday night. The plan calls for constructing the facility on the Griswold campus, just north of the tennis courts. The building would be a 70-by-40-foot barn designed to house animals such as chickens, rabbits, cattle, and sheep, with an outdoor pen.
Henrichs says the primary challenge is the cost. Including pens, gates, and electrical work, the total construction cost is estimated at around $270,000.
Henrichs says local farmers would partner with the school by bringing livestock to the facility shortly before birth, allowing students to observe and assist with newborn animals. Afterward, the animals would be returned to their owners. He says the hands-on experience would provide students with unique educational possibilities.
So far, the district has received numerous pledges of support. If funding is secured, Henrichs says the facility could be up and running within two months.
Henrichs notes that districts such as Tri-Center and Hamburg have similar facilities, though he says programs like these remain relatively unique. He adds that he hopes the project can become a reality in Griswold.
