When Mary's lamb of nursery rhyme fame followed her to school one day it was, of course, against the rules. But that may not be the case for long in Kimball.

Superintendent Troy Unzicker was authorized to represent Kimball High School in seeking a zoning change that will allow the school district space for livestock.

This, Unzicker said, would make it easier for FFA students to practice evaluation and other activities.

The board appeared to be slightly skeptical in approving this, and had questions before agreeing to the authorization.

“You are just going to have one at a time, not a herd?” board president Lynn Vogel asked.

Board member Clint Cornils questioned the length of time the livestock would be present on school property as well. “You're not raising them there?”

Rick Perry, a school board member, veterinarian, and FFA alumni spoke up to the remaining board members, stating there would be small numbers of livestock on a short term basis for training purposes.

Discussion wound around to land used years ago by FFA students for the same kind of purpose and by 4-H participants on a longer-term, causing complaints.

Kimball FFA sponsor and teacher, Alan Held, explained that normally his students would go to the veterinarian or producer off campus during class time, often causing tardiness to the following class.

“This is different than that, this is not going to be used for raising livestock,” Held said, It will allow students the same hands-on experience during short class times.”

Held said the FFA alumni would provide the labor, and hopes donations will provide materials for the project, which would be placed on the south side of the Agriculture building just east of the greenhouse.

Although for Held it is a matter of waiting, he said he is hopeful the project will be complete and functional by this fall.

Since the purpose is for training students on a shorter time line, the board appointed Unzicker to seek this zoning change.

A second project is in the works as well. Kimball schools received a grant for a personal windmill to be constructed on the property.

Unzicker stated concern about the windmill, which will be going up near the agriculture building, had not yet been erected in time for the approaching school year.

The Windmill will be used as a learning tool more than a personal energy generator. According to Unzicker the project will be a hands-on tool for teaching engineering, construction, and energy studies. This could potentially give them a head start on college courses.

“There is actually a full curriculum focusing on alternative energy. With wind energy becoming more important in NE there are colleges that have developed classes on repair, maintenance, construction and the engineering of these,” Held said, “Students can actually go on to a community college and major in wind energy.”

Unzicker was told that current zoning does not allow for the unit on school property, so he received permission from the board to seek that change as well.

Unzicker said he does not foresee any issues with the zoning changes for the school, which is currently zoned single-family residential.

The request would have to go before the planning commission for approval and then be approved by city council as well. So, it seems it may not be difficult, but more time is needed.