The Region 12 school district is looking to apply for grant money to create a new Agriscience STEM Academy.  Washington State Representative Arthur O'Neill says the grant would be for 95-percent of the cost to create the Academy at Shepaug Valley High School. 

This academy will add 50 to 60 students per year, with up to 240 students by the 4th year of the program being in operation.  He says that would create a more stable school population for Region 12 going forward.  While other nearby Agriscience STEM Academies have reached their capacity, this would allow students from the Greater Danbury and New Milford areas to study in the field.

Students from Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Sherman and Washington could pursue studies in this field.  Sending districts would also pay tuition and provide transportation for the students they select. 

Additionally, all agriscience students, including Washington students, would be subsidized by the state to cover part of the costs involved.  Yearly grants provided by the state would be used to cover operating expenses and materials needed going forward.