Milan FFA Shows Board Agriculture Goes Beyond ‘Cows, Sows and Plows’

Milan FFA students told the Milan Area Schools Board of Education that agriculture education today reaches far beyond “cows, sows and plows.”

Teacher Todd Federer and students Jonathan Ringbloom and Ethan Rice presented an update during the board’s April 22 meeting. The FFA update, Board Policy 3205 discussion and sinking fund update were among the main items on the meeting agenda.

Federer said the program includes classroom learning, supervised agricultural experiences and leadership development.

Rice and Ringbloom described student-led work that includes parade floats, leadership contests, agricultural skills competitions, the National FFA Convention and the annual hog roast fundraiser. This year, students are raising 10 pigs for the fundraiser.

They also highlighted hands-on projects such as raising chickens and rabbits, making sausage, growing corn, canning green beans, tapping trees for maple syrup, learning about invasive species and growing flowers, vegetables and berries in the greenhouse. Students hope to open the greenhouse sale around Mother’s Day weekend.

The presentation also showed the modern side of agriculture. Students said the program has a drone purchased through a state grant and discussed how drones can be used to check fields, spread seed and spray fields.

Board member Andrew Cislo said Milan is the longest continuously running FFA chapter in Michigan.

Secretary Sara Meray praised the program’s hands-on learning and community involvement.

“It’s obvious you are not just teaching, but facilitating learning,” Meray said. “I think education is at its best when it’s bringing community to the table, literally in your case.”

Superintendent Ryan McMahon also updated the board on sinking fund projects. A sinking fund is voter-approved money districts can use for building repairs, safety improvements, technology and other facility needs.

McMahon said ventilation work at the high school gym and lighting work at the middle school gym have been completed since the district’s last update in November.

The district is preparing to seek bids for concrete replacement at Milan High School, where McMahon said sidewalks are aging and damaged from vehicles and snowplows. The district also has a request for proposals out for water main replacement near the high school.

McMahon clarified that the water main has not broken, but said it is in rough shape and has needed repairs. A portion runs under the high school science wing, which could create problems if it failed under the building.

Other planned sinking fund projects include swim locker room upgrades, panic-push bars on security doors, fire panel monitoring system work, heating core replacement and two previously approved school buses that will be paid for next year. McMahon said the projects bring sinking fund spending to just over $1 million.

“We’re in good shape,” McMahon said.

Treasurer Michelle Heikka asked whether the water main work is entirely the district’s responsibility or whether the city has a role in it. She also asked about a $50,000 increase in Chromebook purchases. McMahon said the district made additional purchases because of concerns about the chip shortage.

The board also discussed Board Policy 3205, which includes language related to petty cash and payments. McMahon said the district does not currently keep petty cash in its buildings or make purchases in cash. Board President Thomas Faro asked McMahon to make the proposed updates, and the item is expected to return on an upcoming agenda.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Bookout said Milan Area Schools received “incredibly positive feedback” after a Washtenaw Intermediate School District learning walk.

McMahon also said the district held its first student behavior support committee meetings, which grew out of discussions with the Milan Education Association about student discipline, staff safety and student safety.

“We want to do better,” McMahon said.

Faro said the superintendent evaluation is scheduled for May 19. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 6. No members of the public spoke during either public comment period.