Christian County opens Academy of Agriculture and Skilled Trades with greenhouse and co‑op pathways

Christian County High School presented the new Academy of Agriculture and Skilled Trades to the committee, showing how the consolidated campus will connect students to careers and local industry.

"I'm Julie Gillum, and I'm one of the ag teachers here at the New Christian County High School," said Julie Gillum during the presentation. School leaders described four agriculture pathways—agribusiness, ag power, animal science and plant systems—along with CTE partnerships in automotive, carpentry and HVAC. The academy includes a new greenhouse, student-based enterprises and a career expo intended to give freshmen guided exposure to pathways before selecting a focus.

Students and teachers emphasized work-based learning: more than 100 seniors participate in on- and off-campus co-op placements, and local partners such as the Murray State veterinary center and electrical co-ops provide practical apprenticeships. The committee praised the program as a model for combining academic courses with technical and industry-aligned training; no committee action was required.

Speakers encouraged legislators to visit the school and noted community partners who supported the greenhouse project.