square feet than the previous greenhouse.
(Photo from Cala Smoldt, Director of Public Relations, Sherrard School District)
“By improving our greenhouse facilities, we are creating a hands-on learning environment that encourages curiosity and innovation,” said school board president Rhys Fullerlove.
The $625,000 facility replaces the previous structure with 1,000 square feet of increased space, totaling 2,400 sq. ft. - including the new addition of a ‘head house’. The previous structure, built in 1994 was 1,440 sq. ft.
The high-tech greenhouse includes many updates that modernized and far surpassed the basic double layered plastic that made up the previous greenhouse.
Major updates include:
- Double layer rigid polycarbonate walls and roof (replacing layers of plastic that covered the old greenhouse)
- Heated flooring
- Weather station with automated interior shade cloth and roof vent
- High Intensity grow light system
Ag Instructor Bill Hammes said they have several ideas to fully utilize the modernized technology now available to the agriculture department, “Some of our ideas are a hydroponic plant production - raising tomatoes, peppers, lettuce without the use of soil; aquaculture - raising fish in a recirculating tank system; aquaponics - using an aquaculture system that provides water and nutrients for a hydroponic system; and focused research - working with agricultural industry professionals to assist with research trials.”
Hammes explained the benefits of the upgrades, “By having heat in the floor we will be able to reduce the overall heating cost of the greenhouse. This will also allow for faster germination of seeds and a more uniform temperature within the greenhouse.
The double layer polycarbonate has a higher 'R value' than the double layer plastic. This should allow for the use of the greenhouse at a much earlier time frame and possibly the whole year which we were not able to do with the old greenhouse.
The light system will allow us to raise plants which have specific lighting requirements throughout the "dark days" of winter.”
Senior Lily Passno, FFA Vice President said, “When we were in here planting (before), some parts of the greenhouse weren’t heated, so it got really cold at some points. Now, we can come here in the middle of winter... And it’ll be like a hot summer day.”
Fullerlove said the upgrade will also allow the high school to expand its science curriculum, “Incorporating more in-depth studies of botany, agriculture, and environmental science… Our students will have the opportunity to explore and experiment with different plants and growing techniques, gaining practical skills that will serve them well in the future.”
facility. Left to right, front, Hunter Cederestrom, Kylie Foster, Anna Taylor, Ag Instructor Bill Hammes,
School board Vice President Kim DeBlock, school board member Sue Lyon, Sandra Avila, Lily Passno,
Abby Weber; back row, Supt. Dr. Carl Johnson, school board member Dan Helm, Ag instructor John Rasty
Photo from Brittney Belha
He said the new construction was paid by allocating funds from existing resources, “This approach not only benefits our students but also demonstrates our commitment to responsible financial stewardship… As a community, we recognize the importance of providing our students with the best possible educational opportunities.
By providing our students with exceptional educational opportunities, we are ensuring that they are well-prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose. And by doing so in a financially responsible way, we are demonstrating our commitment to the long-term health and prosperity of our community.”
Construction began in spring 2022 and was delayed due to supply chain shortages and was completed by November the same year.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held on March 28, local TV stations covered the event, WQAD went live as the ribbon was being cut.
The public was then invited in to hear about the features and importance of the new structure from Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson, Vice President of the School Board Kim DeBlock, and Ag Instructor Bill Hammes.
The new facility is currently being used by students to monitor the progression of growing plants for the upcoming FFA plant sale - to be held at the end of April, TBD.
