Amber Siratt
Kern Valley Sun

A historical part of the valley’s past is headed into the future. Grant money totaling $1,193,468 was recently awarded to Kern Valley High School to modernize the school’s agricultural classroom, Room 14. The classroom, home to Agriculture Science, Business and Floral Design classes, was originally the Kernville School established in 1868 and moved to its current location in 1953 after the Isabella Dam was built.

KVHS Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisor and Career Technical Education Department Chair Emily Keverline, who wrote the grant with KVHS Vice Principal John Brown, is excited about what the project will do for the students learning environment. “Students will have more access to facilities that follow industry standards, both in the Ag Room and at the farm. Our program goal is to give students hands on learning and skills that they can take directly to the work force, while at the same time giving them preparation to further their education at a trade school, two-or four-year college,” said Keverline.

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Betty Beaury Grow, a Kern Valley High School graduate who was in the school's FFA program for four years is excited to learn about the project. “Ag is no longer just cows and plows, but a sophisticated high-tech field that crosses into many other industries and sciences. [It] offers experiences and learning opportunities which students will carry with them for a lifetime, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor,” said Beaury Grow

Permanent student work stations, updated computers, improved storage, a walk-in floral cooler and teacher presentation area are just a few of the planned improvements. Modernization of the building will also include new insulation, flooring, heating and air conditioning and wheel chair accessibility. Dr. Jeanie Brachear, KVHS Principal, stressed that the outside appearance of the building will remain the same. “It is very important to us to respect the history of the building,” said Brachear.

In addition to this grant, another grant in the amount of $202,375 was awarded to the high school to renovate and improve the swine unit and greenhouse. Upgrades to existing swine pens and construction of new pens, improvements to the pens drainage and waste management facilities along with paving around the greenhouse for wheel chair accessibility and easier maintenance are the improvements scheduled for the project.

“The [Ag] program has always been highly successful, but changes have been needed in modernization and addition of technology. Since the state is supporting career technical education programs we will continue to write grants at every opportunity afforded us,” said Brachear.

Work on the projects are not imminent as the school must wait for approval from the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Approval by the DSA may take up to three years due to state budget cuts. Renovation of the swine pens and greenhouse may begin sooner.