Some land near the Perry High School may soon be dug up after the school board approved the Grow-School garden and greenhouse project.

High school special education teacher T.J. Maylum and his wife came up with the idea and asked the Board for permission to use school property. The project will include an organic garden that will be maintained with help from Perry special needs students.

Superintendent Lynn Ubben says the project aims to help students gain a variety of skills and pride in seeing the fruits of their labor.

Maylum then plans to have the group sell the products at the local farmers market or donate them to the school food pantry.

So far Maylum has raised more than $5,000 for the project which should come at no cost to the school district, with the exception of some occasional electrical and water use.