Lawton Public Schools

PROJECT PURPOSE

During Covid-19, our students have experienced educational disparities, social, emotional, and mental health concerns. We also recognize agriculture, a key component of the economics of our state and community, was severely impacted. These two areas together led Lawton Public Schools, a high-poverty school district, to identify agricultural facilities as a primary need for improving resources focusing on new and continuing programs. The improvements will reinforce safety protocols to protect the health and wellness of our students. This will require expansion and reconstruction of the following facilities: ? Agricultural Mechanics ? Swine Exhibiting and Breeding ? Beef Exhibiting and Working ? Sheep Exhibiting and Breeding ? Greenhouse Production The historical school farm laboratory, established in 1942, does not meet ADA or Covid-19 protocol requirements. Due to weathering, erosion, lack of funds, and changing needs of our students, the facilities must be updated. With the updates of the facilities, the agricultural programs will allow students to gain the following skills employers seek most: communication, critical thinking, leadership, positive attitude, team work, and work ethic. Industry recognized certifications can be earned with the completion of these projects. Additionally, our students will be prepared to fulfill critically needed occupations in the local workforce pipelines.

EVIDENCE

The third largest high school in Chicago, an agricultural sciences magnet school cites a ?historical? connection to farming as one reason for the success of its students. ?Chicago rises amid miles of Illinois farmland? (Vo). ?Another, important reason for Chicago Ag's existence, says Principal Valerious, ?Is to show disadvantaged city kids career opportunities that mostly have little to do with farming?? (Vo). Additionally, agricultural programs address what Richard Louv called, ??...nature-deficit disorder.? a term he coined to describe the physical and mental health consequences of Americans disconnecting from nature--changes he believed affect educational performance? (Raymond, 256).

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The agricultural education program has been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic because, by nature, agriculture is hands-on. With distance learning, the focus of school resources has shifted from hands-on to online platforms. Agriculture does not operate virtually, but it is critical to man-kind?s survival. The populations that we serve include two vulnerable groups; the economically disadvantaged local student (66%), as well as the transient military student (25%). Families struggling with poverty do not have the resources to provide their children with agricultural experiences that lead to career exploration. Military students are disconnected from family farms and frequently move, therefore agricultural education becomes their only opportunity to explore the field of agriculture. With 95% of our students being 3-5 generations removed from the family farm, now is a critical time to support agricultural education so that the future generations will explore agricultural pathways as well as become well informed food consumers.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Having facilitated multiple federal grants including building projects, our district has existing procedures already in place to monitor and report project performance. Our finance department oversees all procurement procedures and contractual agreements which are aligned to both state and federal regulations. Building and maintenance of facilities is under the jurisdiction of our assistant superintendent and COO with contractors establishing timelines and making regular progress reports. Additionally, performance reports and building site visits with our school board and other stakeholders are incorporated into our district?s procedures from the beginning to the implementation of using the new facility.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma