TR R-X hopes to go green with building rehab

The Twin Rivers R-X School District is starting conversations about revamping the high school greenhouse.

The school board is in early stages of the discussion, collecting information about what needs done and cost estimates, but Dr. Ben Johnson, superintendent, sees potential in it.

Previously, the facility was used for classes to grow various flowers and vegetables, Principal Misti Lovelace said.

They were also sold to those interested, mostly faculty and staff, she added.

However, over the years and without a dedicated teacher, it hasn’t been maintained.

Johnson said at Tuesday night’s board meeting that a work estimate from one company listed it at about $14,700, and he didn’t think that included labor costs.

Several of the ceiling tiles have fallen in and some mechanics, such as the irrigation system, need new parts, Johnson said.

“As far as it (the estimate) compares to somebody else, I don’t really know,” he said. “If that’s a reasonable price, I’m a little inexperienced on that part of it.”

The board approved continuing to look into the potential cost of repairs and ways to fund the project, especially with the district’s financial situation.

“I would love to see it up and running,” Johnson said. “This is step one.”

He said the greenhouse could be a benefit for more than the high school agriculture department.

For instance, students at the other district campuses could take field trips to the high school to visit the greenhouse for classwork and growing some of their own plants.

Additionally, the special needs students could use the greenhouse for work experience by helping water the plants.

Board member Bruce Goodrich suggested reaching out to Three Rivers College about partnering on the greenhouse so that its students could also use it for classes.

“I’d like to see us get more involved with TRC,” he said.

Johnson said forming that partnership could also open them up to more grant options to help with funding the repairs.

Johnson advised the board to keep the one estimate they’ve received on hand as he hopes to revisit the project idea with more information.