by Fiona Lipczenko ‘25

Since 2021, Sherwood has been the only MCPS high school besides Northwood to offer the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) program. Due to recent county budget cuts, the program is in jeopardy at Sherwood.

After the Board of Education removed CASE from next year’s proposed budget, it was eliminated from Sherwood’s 2025-2026 course offering. “I have been told that enrollment is not high enough to keep the program,” said CASE teacher Glenn Miller. “However, we have grown over 300 percent in the past year and if MCPS believes as I do that this is important learning, the system will invest in helping the program grow even more.” 

Current enrollment is low because CASE does not count towards a graduation requirement, so students struggle to fit it into their schedules. Additionally, transportation is not provided for out-of-cluster families. The Board of Education has opted to cut the program rather than increase its accessibility.

CASE is a four-year program that introduces students to agricultural research and lays the foundation for related career paths. Classes are held in the greenhouse behind Sherwood’s main building. “In CASE, students learn critical skills in agriculture, science, technology, and problem solving. In some cases, more than any other class,” said Miller.

Students in CASE explore a variety of engaging learning experiences to develop their understanding of agriculture, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation field trips, labs studying erosion effects, and practice working with plants in the greenhouse. “The hands-on aspect of CASE is so important and we do more labs than any other class at Sherwood,” said Miller. “That experiential learning is so fun for students.”

Many community members believe CASE is a vital program. “We are focused on the natural resources that we all want to sustain,” said Miller. According to the CASE website, agricultural learning is essential for nationwide economic growth, as well as students’ personal growth and development of critical skills. Agricultural education is especially important in the context of farmer shortages, Maryland importing food, and the push for environmental sustainability.

CASE is also an opportunity for out-of-cluster students to experience Sherwood. Many such students were alarmed when CASE’s removal was announced. “It makes me sad because CASE is the only reason why I’m able to make it to Sherwood High School,” said freshman Maddy Carretero. “I’m sure many other students like me from different schools would want to experience the CASE program, but when CASE goes down for Sherwood, other students won’t experience how the CASE program can inspire others,” Fortunately, Sherwood administration ensured that CASE students from other clusters are permitted to stay for the remainder of their four years. However, Carretero added that he has a younger sister who wants to go to Sherwood High School, but now will not be able to do that if CASE is eliminated. 

This is not the first time Sherwood has been in danger of losing one of its unique programs and community members are voicing their dissent. Students, parents, and staff alike have been spreading the message to save CASE. “Everyone should write to the Board of Education and central office administrators, and emphasize the important learning that this program brings to Sherwood,” said Miller. “CASE is more than just a program—it’s an opportunity for students to explore their passions, gain practical skills, and prepare for bright futures. Let’s come together to ensure it remains a part of our school’s legacy for years to come.”