Greenhouse proposed at Carson High

Carson High School may soon be home to a community greenhouse under a plan presented by Karen Abowd to the school board Tuesday.

"It would be really exciting for us if this comes to fruition," said Abowd, who serves on the Carson City Cultural Commission. "This is a natural fit. It involves youth, and it can naturally be interfaced with the college. It's a win-win."

Abowd, who owns Adele's Restaurant and Lounge with her husband Charlie Abowd, said she has been searching for an appropriate site for about a year.

She said the 2,160-square-foot greenhouse would benefit students by giving them horticultural, agricultural and vocational experience.

The Builders Association of Western Nevada will volunteer the time and material to build it.

Abowd said grants are available to pay students for fresh-cut flowers. It also will provide fresh produce to the culinary arts program as well as to low-income families in the community.

"The greenhouse has the capacity to grow 4,500 pounds of fruits and vegetables as well as plants," she said.

The flowers grown will be used in the Downtown Consortium's project of placing flower baskets outside downtown businesses.

The greenhouse had been part of a plan to redesign Eagle Valley Middle School. However, that plan was scrapped after the public voiced its distaste in a series of neighborhood meetings.

After listening to the presentation, the board asked district officials to look into the details and invited Abowd to return to the next meeting when the two missing board members were in attendance.

Trustee Jim Lemaire voiced his support for the idea as did Superintendent Richard Stokes.

"I see great value in the partnership," Stokes said. "There's wonderful opportunities not only with students at the high school but with middle school and elementary school students as well."

Also at the school board meeting:

Officials continued a presentation giving board members information about a proposed online option in the Carson City School District.

Students, who for a variety of reasons cannot attend classes, could take classes on the Internet.

Jason Zona, site administrator for the alternative high school Pioneer High School, said it would serve a need that's not being met.

"Our students don't fit in the box we have," he said.

If board members approve the program, a pilot will begin in January at Pioneer High School.