Joshua Farm. File photo.
The Harrisburg School District is searching for someone ready to plant educational seeds, as well as literal ones.
On Wednesday, the district issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the operation of its Joshua Farm property, which has historically been used to benefit students and community members.
For years, the farm, located at 213 S. 18th St., was operated by a Harrisburg nonprofit, Joshua Group, before they ended their involvement in May 2022. Starting in 2007, the organization oversaw operations at the farm, teaching Harrisburg students about agriculture and nutrition. They also regularly sold produce at a stand in Strawberry Square.
However, during the pandemic, the program was put on hold, and, in 2022, the nonprofit decided to focus more heavily on academics to address student learning loss from the pandemic, said Executive Director Jeannetta Politis. They then turned management of the property back over to the district. Shortly after, Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries leased and operated the property.
The district’s RFP states that it is again looking for persons or entities to lease the property and provide daily management and oversight of the farm. The document also stated that the district’s goal is “to restore community pride in the farm and for the farm to be viewed as an asset to the community.”
Superintendent Eric Turman was not available to comment on the district’s plans for the farm.
Proposals are due to the district by March 2 at 3 p.m.
The initial term for the selected operator of the farm will be for 26 months with an annual one-year renewal option, the RFP states. The term would begin on April 1.
For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.
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