SALEM TOWNSHIP — During the Sept. 19 board of directors meeting, Principal Tim Richards asked for approval for the installation of a 30 by 48 foot greenhouse at Mt. Abram Regional High School. He believes that it would be beneficial not only for their alternative education program, but for the entire community as well. 

Richards explained that the alternative education program is for students who are “disengaged or angry.” He said, “We need to do school differently for them.” He also said that there needs to be more relevant interaction and hands on learning to give the students a purpose. 

Board member Mary Nodine asked what the difference was between alternative education and the Foster Tech program offered at Mt. Blue High School. Richards responded saying that it was a different environment that teaches kids through purpose and reason. He thinks that it has the potential to draw people to Mt. Abram.

Richards submitted an in-depth proposal document outlining multiple benefits gained from having a greenhouse including educational, environmental, physical and mental health, and community benefits. He said that it could teach the students about nutritional wellness, give them and other community members volunteer experience, and even potentially feed the community, especially local families in need.

In 2022, 4,070 people in Franklin County were food insecure. For families struggling with the cost of living, accessing food is hard enough, but fresh produce can be even harder to get as it can be expensive. But with a local supply, it could be possible for them to have easier access to healthier food.

Richards also pointed out that the greenhouse could present many opportunities for students to complete volunteer hours, internships, and fundraisers. There is a possibility for a gardening club as well.

The main goal of the greenhouse of course is to support interdisciplinary, social/emotional learning, as well as teaching life skills and environmental stewardship to students, especially those in the alternative education program.

Richards said that he has experience working in a greenhouse as his parents owned one. He has put together a “dream team” of staff members who he thinks would be a great fit for helping with the garden.

One board member brought up the possible need of hiring more staff to take care of the garden. Richards said that he hadn’t thought of that.

Richards listed all of the dimensions and needs for the greenhouse in his proposal including materials, heating, and air circulation. He proposed that the school specifically get a Rimol “Nor’Easter” greenhouse, one that is built with heavy snow in mind. He said that the same greenhouse is used by Robin’s Flower Pot in Farmington.

Richards calculated the total cost to be around $20,385, being covered by a Carrabassett Valley grant pending acceptance. He said he can’t guarantee this addition won’t cost Mt. Abram any money, but that he would do his best to minimize the cost.