Since the beginning of the school year, Windham earth science teacher Jeff Riddle has been campaigning to raise money for a climbing wall for the high school’s auxiliary gym.

So far, he’s raised $21,000. That amount has legitimized his project and has garnered both the attention and approval of the Windham School Board, which last week, authorized the climbing wall project once riddle has raised the necessary funds.

“So, it’s a go. We’re looking good,” proclaimed an enthusiastic Riddle this week regarding how much has been donated so far.

Riddle has raised most of the money through individual and business donations. Now, he will pursue another source of funding: grants.

“We have several grants that we’re pursuing, about $30,000 worth,” riddle said. “We’ve written to Patagonia (clothing company), the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, Bank of America for an educational grant, and the Libra foundation. We’re now just waiting to hear back from those people.”

Riddle said the next phase of the project will be a mad dash of fundraising before May 4 that will determine the width of the wall. The more money Riddle can raise before May 4 determines how many climbers will be allowed on the wall at the same time.

“Our goal is to have it as wide as possible because we want to maximize usage,” Riddle said. “The wider it is, the more can climb.”

Riddle expects the wall to be designed and built in June and should take a few weeks to construct depending on width. The wall will reach near to the ceiling of the auxiliary gym, about 40 feet.

Riddle said the wall will become an integral part of the physical education curriculum once complete. Riddle anticipates two course offerings, Rock Climbing 101 and Adventures in the Outdoors, will see increased interest from students once the wall is built.

“I expect this to really add to our program,” Riddle said. “We won’t have to drive to Maine Rock Gym in Portland, and we are looking to create a climbing division of the Outdoors Club as well. I’m very excited about this.”