During a brief time mentioning future business to be discussed for committee review, school board members offered ideas for the board to consider.

Board Member Misty Moore brought up the need to further discuss how to rotate some of the board meetings in different areas within the county in order to provide opportunities for more of the public to attend the meetings.

She also pointed out the need for transparency within the district suggesting that there be a committee of board members to meet with the commissioners for the intentions of the Youngsville Middle High School building recently purchased. Moore highlighted that she thought it was important to give the public a peace of mind to understand what is coming.

“I just think information would just ease a lot of people’s minds,” she said.

Photos by Jessica N. Rex Pictured left to right are: Directors Daniel Sullivan, Bridget Schwab, Kevin Lindvay, Misty Moore and John Wortman.

Referring to the presentation that was given at the beginning of the meeting, board member Tammi Holden suggested they look at the peer mentoring program for the high schools since the one for fifth and eighth students at Beaty Middle School has begun and is experiencing successes.

School counselor Melissa Paudauno had spoken of the peer mentoring program she facilitates which provides cross-grade interactions between eighth grade students and the fifth grade students. Older students go through an application process, and then training is given. Right now, there are nine trained mentors and six matched fifth grade “buddies,” that meet twice a week. Based on referrals, fifth grade students are then assisted by eighth grade students who have been given goals to work on with the fifth graders. There is hope for growth in this program, due to its success so far. Peer mentorship programs offer benefits for all including improved social skills, self-confidence, positive school climate and leadership development.

Robert Cook, board president, said he would like to take a closer look and talk about what the students from Eisenhower experienced with the shifting from Sheffield and Youngsville high schools. Finally, suggesting a monthly newsletter to be posted by district page and Facebook, Cook said it would provide highlights of upcoming meetings that should be brought to the attention of the public. Navigation of these school board meetings and documents is difficult and time consuming via the district website. Having a way to better inform the public ahead of time about the topics to be covered in the meeting could prove to be well received, Cook said.