Vian Schools Proceed with New Agriculture Building

After Vian school district voters approved a $905,000 bond for a new agriculture building last week, school officials are moving forward with plans.

Vian Superintendent Victor Salcedo said it appears construction for the facility is about three to four months out.

“We’re trying to establish timelines,” Salcedo said, adding that he has been in discussions with construction management firms and submitting paperwork to the state. “Hopefully we can start (construction) in July. After talking with construction management companies, it looks like it’s about an eight-month process, from start to finish.”

School officials plan to tear down the existing bus barn, along with a house on property the school purchased just south of the campus. A new bus barn will be built on the new property, and the new agriculture building will be built where the existing bus barn is now located, according to Salcedo.

The new agriculture building will more than double the agriculture education space for the 90-student program, according to Trent Trotter, agricultural education instructor.

“During show season, our shop turns into the place where we bring our animals in and clip them and store shavings,” Trotter said. “With the new facility, you don’t have to shut down your shop classes to do those things.”

The new agriculture building will essentially be two buildings split by a 20-foot area. One building will house the shop and classroom, while the second building will be a livestock facility with a small show barn and the ability to accommodate show animals for those students living in town. The space would also allow for hands-on animal science education and the possibility of bringing in speakers and demonstrations.

Trotter said he and many of his students were busy at the Muskogee Regional Livestock Show when they found out the bond issue had passed. He said they were excited, but there’s still a lot of work yet to do.

“We were really pleased with the turnout and support we have had,” Trotter said. “We’re eager to get out there and prove that it was a good choice and work hard to give back to the community as well.”

Salcedo said the mood on the Vian campus has been one of excitement since last week’s election, where voters approved the bond proposition with 325 votes, or 71 percent.

“I just want to thank the community,” Salcedo said. “The support they gave us and the trust, I just appreciate that. It’s exciting, but very humbling when they support you like that.”

Pam Cloud, Managing News Editor

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com