Chester bringing back high school agriculture program

Chester High School students will have a new curriculum option at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, as the district brings back its Agriculture Education program.

Board of Education members recently approved the Ag program and hired Matthew Meltzer to teach the course, subject to the satisfaction and completion of all necessary requirements. Meltzer, originally from the Champaign area, is finishing his academic studies at SIU-Carbondale and is expected to begin his employment with the school district during the summer.

"We're fortunate to have found Mr. Meltzer," said District Superintendent Brian Pasero. "He's very sharp and brings with him some excellent ideas on how to restart the program at CHS."

Pasero said Meltzer has some experience in construction and engines, which could be of benefit since CHS no longer has an Industrial Arts program.

Involved with the new Ag curriculum will be the organization of a new FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization. Pasero stressed that it goes hand in hand with the course and will open opportunities for certain grants in the field. One grant that is being looked at is for $10,000 over a two-year period that would assist in program start up costs.

Another $1,000 grant would assist with equipment, and a third grant that the school is pursuing would cover teacher hours outside the classroom/school day that could be necessary for AG programs.

"We're pleased to be moving in this direction for the next school year and think this will be beneficial to our students," Pasero said.