The Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) Board got an updated report last week on the timeline and recommendations for moving the Agriculture Animal Program to the 29-acre Grant Line property, from its current location on the old Santa Paula Water Treatment Plant property, now owned by Crown Disposal Company.
Crown Disposal has allowed the FFA/Agriculture Sciences Partnership Academy program to continue to operate on the current site during the search process for a new location. The Board was told that the estimated cost for three animal buildings and related facilities at the new site is $1.5 million dollars. It was noted that time is running out to keep animals at the old facility because Crown has other plans for the property.
Alex Flores Ag Academy teacher and FFA advisor told the board, “We have this 29 acre ranch that can really provide a lot of different opportunities, not just for our high school kids but for our whole community. We’ve always had a lack of facilities as part of our agriculture program.” He added, “We need to be able to provide the equipment and the resources we need for them.”
Funding for the new facility was one question at the meeting. The board was told that the District could cover the cost because there appears to be outside funding coming into the program. However, the funding is not guaranteed at this point.
Santa Paula resident Cathy Hicks left a written statement for the board. She noted that 16 years ago the Ag program was promised a new facility that they would not have to share with the wastewater and trash department. “I would hope the board will find the money to make an agriculture facility for Santa Paula Unified use,” she said. Board member Christina Urias said the students deserve a top notch Ag Farm.
It’s proposed that there be a ground breaking May 15th for the new farm. Board President Michelle Kolbeck is concerned about the long-term build out of the property. She said that before putting about $1.5 million dollars into the project she’d like to see the plans for phases two and three.
The matter still has to come back to the board for approval.
