A New Farm School Barn Brings Hands‑On Learning to Osceola

Osceola County is investing in its own future by building a new agricultural barn at Harmony Middle School.
The structure will let students from sixth grade onward work with animals, grow plants, and learn about farm equipment. Construction is slated to start later this year, giving the school a long‑term boost for its agriculture program.

Funding & Leadership

• County Commissioner Ricky Booth announced that his first $50,000 in county betterment money will help fund the project.
• Booth has a background in ranching and education, having served on the local school board before becoming commissioner.
• He praised Harmony’s animal science teacher Kyndall Brown, who was recently named the county Teacher of the Year.
• Booth said Brown’s leadership is key to keeping agriculture alive in the community.

School Board & Superintendent Remarks

• School Board member Paula Bronson and Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff also spoke at the opening.
• They highlighted how the new barn will prepare students for higher‑level farm work at Harmony High School and support a local economy that balances tourism with agriculture.
• Shanoff noted that farming is changing rapidly, so students must be ready for modern challenges.

Vision for the Future

“The new facility will make Harmony Middle one‑upping every middle school in the state for agriculture education.”
– Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff

He credited Booth’s swift support as a rare example of county leadership that truly backs local schools.