Gladstone High School teacher Michelle Shurlow and students from her Agricultural Science class share their experiences with the new program to the Board of Education. Seen sitting are Board President Steve Tackman, Superintendent Jay Kulbertis, Members Nathan Neumeier, Henry Knoch and Joe Hubert. Out of frame are Members Andrew Sturdy, Phil DeMay and Jesse Seger. (R. R. Branstrom)

GLADSTONE — The Agricultural Science class at Gladstone, underway for the first time this year, spoke about the value of the course with the Gladstone Area Schools Board of Education on Monday.

As a trial year, the program does not yet receive funding that it would if it became affiliated with FFA, backed by Michigan State University and officially considered a CTE — which has been the goal and appears to be a reasonable target, based on student interest and drive.

Students and Shurlow shared some details on their experiences so far in the classroom, on field trips, online and in fundraising.

“I really liked, this year, going on field trips, goign to Hannahville — they have a lot of cool stuff there, and we got to learn about their aquaponics, which is kind of inspiring us,” said student Aiden Erickson.

As just a sophomore, Erickson may get to see the course evolve.

“I’m really excited to see the program grow these next two years I’m in it, helping it,” he said.

A couple other students told the board about their unique experiences, from perspectives as upperclassmen and a student aide.

Shurlow said that although the class has been considering buying a hoop house (a type of small, portable greenhouse), some kids have been in favor of saving the money for future years.

The class will continue to seek connections, find what resources are available to them, and prove they’re worthy of certification.

In other business at the April 20 meeting, the Gladstone School Board:

– accepted a letter of rescind (2026) and letter of intent to retire at the end of the school year in 2027 from Kim Alworden.

– accepted a letter of retirement from Jeanne Pearson, of whom Principal Andy Jacques spoke highly and gratefully.

– promoted Dennis Cannoot to Varsity Football Coach. Whe asked what his vision was, Cannoot responded:

“My focus is more mental … and I think, again, that winning is kind of the byproduct of what we do in the school, what we do in the classroom, what we do in our community. You know, my focus is to help guide and give guidance to young men. And my true dream of winning is they come back to this community, they want to be part and volunteer coach (or) whatever that may be. So a little different approach than just saying ‘we’re going to just win our game.'”

– accepted a letter of resignantion from teacher Deborah Johnson.

– approved a Teamsters off-schedule contract.