COLLEGE STATION, TX — Over at College Station ISD, big changes could be coming to their campuses if voters decide to approve four new bonds, that total over $83 million.
Among these proposals, is a new agriculture complex building projected to cost $8 million.
Advocating on behalf of Future Farmers of America or FFA, Caitlin Smith, an upcoming eighth-grader at College Station Middle School, expressed, this building could serve all of Brazos.
"Our farm-to-table program can not only teach students where their food comes from, but could also provide food for students in need. Some of the food grown can be donated to facilities or directly to families in need and directly through the school or the Brazos Valley Food Bank." Smith shared during a CSISD school board meeting on June 15.
Smith went on to mention the importance FFA scholarships have for her fellow peers that are attempting to afford college one day.
"There are millions of dollars of scholarships available for FFA students each year. Currently, it is suitable for students at CSISD to be competitive in receiving one of these scholarships because of their essays, luck, and strength, things other chapters also have throughout the state." Smith explained to the CSISD school board.
"By introducing agriculture and FAA to students at an earlier age, they will be able to strengthen their essays and be more competitive with scholarships."
Smith added last year's County Youth Livestock Show allowed 113 CSISD students to enter and receive over $313,000. An opportunity, Smith expressed, that could benefit even more students with the added facilities.
"Tonight, I'm asking you to please give the community of CSISD an opportunity to not only invest in the future of the students of CSISD, but the future of agriculture" Smith concluded.
In response, CSISD Chief Financial Officer, Amy Drozd, shared, that the district is currently looking for a location for said facilities and will likely build it in phases, beginning with a livestock area and a few classrooms.
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