Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Boy Scout Isaac Zapel speaks with Warren County School District Superintendent Amy Stewart about how district officials decide whether or not to delay or cancel school during heavy weather after Monday’s meeting of the school board. Attending the meeting was a requirement for Zapel to earn a citizenship in the community merit badge.

Not everyone who goes to school board meetings is there to influence educational decisions or have their voices heard.

On Monday, Isaac Zapel attended the regular meeting.

Zapel, a sixth-grader, wasn’t there to talk about his school, his teachers, nor programming offered by the district.

He was there in a Boy Scouts uniform, satisfying requirements for a Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

“I had to attend a board meeting and talk about one of the things that was addressed at the meeting,” Zapel said.

After the meeting, he approached Superintendent Amy Stewart and asked her some follow-up questions. During the meeting, Stewart had spoken about how district officials make the decision whether or not to delay or cancel school when heavy weather hits or is on the way.

“It was one of the main topics,” he explained, when asked why he picked the cancellation issue.

Attendance and follow-up were not the only requirements.

He had to talk with his leaders about citizenship, what it means, and how one can show it, he said.

He has learned about public services that are funded by tax dollars and will have to go through several more steps, including making a public presentation.

Recently, when Zapel has not been at school board meetings, he has been working on his reading and swimming badges. Next up, the music badge.

The citizenship badge is required for those who would like to earn Eagle Scout status – and that is one of Zapel’s goals.

Zapel has been in Scouting for four years and was promoted to Boy Scouts in May.

“It’s fun,” he said. “All of it.”

He is part of Troop 13 of North Warren, which meets Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“You have to want to be there,” he said. “If you are not, you will probably miss out.”