A growing concern
Behind the school sit 4 tattered green houses, built in the fall of 2011and only two years later they have become Galway’s ghost garden.
Galway’s green houses came from a six thousand dollar grant from the Dockstader trust funds. The purpose of the greenhouse gardens project was to educate students in agriculture along with giving students a hands-on chance to learn via an enjoyable outdoor classroom experience. Recently the school received a letter from Mrs. David, a concerned community member. In the letter she basically said she would like to help aid the school in repairing and maintaining the green houses, along with starting programs and classes to utilize the Galway schools’ green house gardens.
Who can we blame for not keeping an eye on the green houses?
On September 12th the board of education discussed the green house issue and School Board President Thomas Rumsey stated, “It’s the Board’s fault for not looking after the green houses.” The project was once run by Mr. Jered Marcantonio who left during the 2012-2013 school year. After Mr. Marcantonio left, nobody took charge.
Now the school board faces a decision keep the green houses and start a program or take the houses down and abandon all hope for future agriculture classes that could possibly be beneficial for the Galway schools and the community.
William is a senior who has plans to join the Air Force. He is interested in keeping the student body informed about what is happening in our school community.
Jered Marcantonio • Nov 29, 2013 at 6:46 am
I would like to suggest creating a partnership team made of community members. The original project was called the Rural COMMUNITY Sustainable Farm Project. Students, teachers, parents, and community members at large all have something to offer, but I believe it is a matter of free time that is the issue. More people involved, more free time available. We’ve got the time to plan now, so why not assemble a committee comprised of community members and get something going for this spring. I am willing to be involved, so there’s one. There was support from the Galway Lion’s Club at one time. The project donated to the Galway Food Pantry during its first summer, so there’s another possible partner. Dylan Gregory and Will Seibert (Galway Students) might be interested in helping out. Mr. Griffin (former elementary principal) showed great support.
Feel free to contact me.