By Emma Szabo Co-Editor in Chief
Starting August of 2021, the AG program will officially become NISD’s 7th magnet school, the Agriculture Science & Technology Academy. Even though the magnet school’s opening is a year away, the school’s staff has already been welcomed to the campus. The new school will be headed by Mr. Chad Bohlken, the principal of the AG Magnet school this next year. The change from a program to a magnet school has left some of the current students with questions though. Current Ag students may wonder about upcoming changes.
“It shouldn’t affect any of them. There won’t be any real impact on the current students and they should know that. They were here before me and the new school, so it’s only fair that nothing changes for them.” Bohlken said.
The changes in application and qualification will only be affecting students coming into the program after 2021, so no current students will be affected. So if nothing is going to change for current students, then what is different? According to Mr. Bohlken, although nothing much will change for students, a lot will change for the approach of the school. Unlike previous years, the Agriculture Science & Technology Academy will try to advertise themselves to more of the Northside community in an attempt to pull in more students from outside the school. They will also highlight everything the school offers besides the livestock show.
“Although the main attraction of the program has always been the Livestock show, we want students to know that there are tons of other benefits of the program. The focus isn’t just the livestock show but all forms of AG. Things like science and technology and getting certified for vet programs,” Bohlken said.
Agriculture has been a big part of Mr. Bohlken’s life, so it’s important to him to share all of its aspects. Mr. Bohlken grew up on a farm in Iowa, raising animals and participating in 4H and FFA. His upbringing has had a clear inspiration in his work and hobbies. Mr. Bohlken loves fishing in his free time and spending time outdoors, making him feel right at home in the AG program, which is why he was drawn to the position in the first place.
“I’m a very outdoorsy person, so this is just a perfect fit for me. I’m very excited about working here,” Bohlken said.
The AG program has always been a vital part of our school, and the change into a magnet school will not change that. This change has brought new staff who are excited to be working with the students here and who are dedicated to making the school a better place.