Ephrata Area school board seeks to renew tenant farmer lease, continue agriculture education experiences | Community News
When: Ephrata Area school board committee meeting, Nov. 3. Vice President Trisha Good was absent.
What happened: The board will consider renewing a partnership with a farmer who leases land from the district and provides agricultural learning experiences to students. Kristee Reichard, business manager, introduced a renewal for a lease and agriculture liaison agreement with Meadow Spring Farm owned by dairy farmer Andy Bollinger, for 68 acres of farmland the district owns at 189 S. Market St., in Ephrata Township.
The increase: The district currently receives $375 per acre, Sarah McBee, district spokesperson, said after the meeting. The district would receive $34,000 in 2026 at $500 per acre for leasing the property to Meadow Spring Farm.
Educational uses: According to the agreement, the property is used for the Ag in the Classroom event for fifth graders, showcasing how a dairy farm operates. As the agricultural liaison, Bollinger assists the district in coordinating events and activities such as the annual Corny Day event, and he provides resources and materials for the high school agricultural science program.
Next steps: If the board approves the agreement later this month, it will be for five years through 2030.
Conferences: Superintendent Brian Troop announced parent-teacher conferences will be Nov. 20, Nov. 24 and Nov. 25. The district offers fall conferences to families with students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
What’s next: The school board will meet Nov. 17 at Akron Elementary School.
