School District 15 is exploring using a vacant 40-acre parcel on Ela Road for an educational farm.

Superintendent Scott Thompson raised the idea at the school board's Wednesday meeting.

"I don't want this program to take away any dollars that are currently coming into the district," Thompson said. "I would pursue some funding outside of the district."

There are no firm plans for the farm yet. Thompson simply gained the school board's blessing to investigate the idea further. Thompson plans to contact potential partners such as Harper College or Township High School District 211.

The property originally was purchased by the school district as a potential location for a new school. However, in recent years the district's enrollment has levelled off.

"If we use it as a farm we still have it in the event something changes down the road and you do need to build it," Thompson said. "With a farm we could still be utilizing the property now."

Thompson said he wants to get people together to discuss the possibilities, seek out funding, create a more detailed plan and bring if back to the school board for consideration.

"To allow kids to learn about growing vegetables, where their food comes from," Thompson said. "And hopefully, eventually, teach them to eat nutritionally and to understand that you can really make some good food out of some things that are grown locally."