ATLANTA – State Representative Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton) today announced that the Cherokee County School District was awarded special grant funding from the OneGeorgia Authority to construct a new agricultural education facility at Creekview High School.
“I am grateful that the Cherokee County Board of Education was awarded this grant funding for a new barn, which will provide comprehensive agricultural education for our students,” said Rep. Ballinger. “I would also like to recognize Ben Cagle who was instrumental in helping to secure this funding. As the owner of Cagle’s Family Farm, the Chair of the Young Farmers for Georgia Farm Bureau and a member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Ben has a rich understanding of the agriculture industry in our state and the importance of hands-on agriculture education.”
The special grant funding, which totals $150,000, will assist with the design and construction costs of the new agricultural barn for Creekview High School in Cherokee County. The special grant was recently awarded after a unanimous vote by members of the OneGeorgia Authority, and it will receive a local match.
Agricultural barns are used in public school systems for applied learning experiences and opportunities for Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), as well as other science/technology and related coursework that involves agriculture to ensure food production and advancements; an educated, skilled and ready workforce; and public awareness related to Georgia’s $75 billion economic engine in the global economy.
Representative Mandi L. Ballinger represents the citizens of District 23, which includes portions of Cherokee County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee and as Secretary of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Information and Audits, Judiciary Non-Civil, Rules and Transportation committees.
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