PCSS Taking Bids For Greenhouse At Monterey High School

Putnam County School System taking bids for a new greenhouse at Monterey High School.

CTE Supervisor Jackie Vester said the opportunity for this project came about from the Innovative Schools Model grant from the state. She said current cost estimates set the cost of a commercial greenhouse at around $90,000.

“Monterey doesn’t have a greenhouse whereas other ag programs already have greenhouses including many of our middle schools have greenhouses as well,” Vester said. “And we just did not have that up at Monterey so we looked at that as a little bit of equity. So those students were experiencing that.”

Vester said they also decided on a greenhouse for MHS due to the proximity of Warren County. She said Warren is a major player in the horticulture industry, and a greenhouse could open the door for career opportunities in the neighboring county.

Vester said they are seeking a greenhouse with temperature control capabilities, watering systems, and high-tech capabilities. She said they also want a greenhouse with the capability to be used throughout all four seasons should they choose.

“So students learn how to operate that, they learn how to set the temperature they learn how to set the timers on the water, with something that’s equitable to what they would see if they were working in a greenhouse,” Vester said.

Vester said once they open the bids on June 9th they will go to the school board to approve the vendor. she said once a vendor is approved, they will go to construction this fall with an estimated completion of January.

“So that they can grow plants this spring and have a spring greenhouse sale just like our other high schools,” Vester said.