By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — Because city code prohibits raising chickens, officials are debating a request from The Cross Christian Academy to foster the animals at the school.

Per the facility’s proposal, no more than 24 birds at any time would be used for education and emotional support in its National FFA Organization and agriculture programs.

It would also assist in the learning and promotion of the poultry field, Delaware’s No. 1 industry, the academy notes.

“The right to maintain chickens at our school is not just about raising animals. It’s fostering a sense of community responsibility and education,” said Amanda Geyer, the academy’s FFA president during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “At The Cross Christian Academy, we believe in instilling values and responsibility.”

Cross Christian administrator Tim Porter said the chickens would be raised in an outside coop behind the school, at 110 Holly St.

In addition, Pastor James Scott, the school’s FFA adviser, said several Delaware districts have chicken operations. He mentioned Laurel, Milford and William Penn high schools.

After Tuesday’s presentation and discussion, council postponed action on the request until information about the practices of other schools can be obtained, to “gauge the level of management that is going to be needed by the city,” Vice Mayor Dan Henderson said.

At issue is the municipal code, which prohibits raising or keeping chickens in city limits.

“I know of a constituent here in town that has been refused having a chicken at her residence. If we grant this to you, how do we deal with other people in the city that want to do the same thing?” Councilman Michael Bradley said. “Once you open the door, you have to be inclusive to everyone.”

Councilman Alan Quillen agreed, saying, “I don’t know how broad we go with this. If we grant you, how far do we have to go to grant other programs?”

Pastor Scott said there is a difference between raising chickens in residential and educational areas.

“I think there is a hard and fast line between a residential versus a nonprofit, educational process,” he said. “We are not setting up a commercial business. We’re not selling eggs. It will be totally in-house.”

Mr. Porter added, “As a school we would like to ask, not as a resident. I think that gives some ground to be able to say ‘educational purpose,’ compared to ‘raising chickens just because I want to.’”

While city manager Charles Anderson stated that the code specifically reads that chickens are prohibited, “it does permit the city manager to make an exception. If the life cycle of the chickens were hatchery-to-peep and maybe a couple weeks, I could probably approve that for a limited number of birds. This is well beyond that.”

Pastor Scott did make note that there would be no roosters on-site and that the coop would basically be obscured behind the school.

“About the only place it will be visible is if you stand on the top of the Stein Highway overpass and look down. We will endeavor to be as discrete as possible,” he continued.

Should Cross Christian’s program reach egg production, Mr. Porter said the school would like to assist its families and staff who may be in need.

Regarding future ag activities at the academy, Councilwoman Stephanie Grassett asked if it had any plans beyond chickens, such as raising goats.

“We have not gone any further with that,” Mr. Porter replied. “Chickens are where would like to draw our line.”

The school’s ask will come back to council once the requested information is obtained.