HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-17-YSC-min Youth Services Council
May 17, 2005
In attendance were Becky Rushford,Norman Cohen, Karen Simmons, Elaine Sterzm,
Beth Ribeiro, Bill Blout, Helen Cohen, Jennifer Wolfrum, and Arny Berger
The council began to talk about its membership, structure, and mission. Again Bill raised
concerns about the lack of police involvement and presence. Becky has been working
with Lauren on this point of concern and Lauren has been in conversation with Chief
Casey Becky stated some changes are taking place in the police department, in which
Kristen French will be taking a position as patrol and no longer the School and
Community Resource Officer It is unclear who will be taking her place
Council members wonder and ask what our response could be/is to absent members The
information goes to Lauren and she carries it out from there. Together there is dialogue
Question--can the council be more active in this process? At this point information goes
to Lauren and then is appropriately handled.
Council members also spoke about adding someone from the interfaith clergy
association, a second high school student, since Julia is graduating this June,possibly two
members from guidance, possibly one from the high school and one from the middle
school since Beth is retiring and Bob has difficulty making meetings due to his schedule
and being"overbooked"
Beth asked Becky what has been the biggest challenge being in this position. Becky
spoke to the fact that there are varying degrees of time availability on part of members,
which can make it challenging to think about larger initiatives. Becky gave the example
of a mentoring program. Jennifer asked how long representatives are to serve on the
council. Becky said the current write-up says 3 years.
Norman expressed some confusion about the group, the mix up with the Youth
Commission. Bill and Elaine explained how the Youth Services position and council
came to be.
Council members then went on to talk about our mission based upon expectations and
reality; for instance, Jennifer mentioned the possibility of using part of our stated purpose
in our mission statement. She mentioned the need to identify and advocate,but stated
difficulty in finding time to help do Other members agreed with using the purpose as a
mission statement.
Elaine and Becky will draft a mission statement based upon meeting along with goals
2005-2006 for review next month. Helen also mentioned Becky and possibly a couple
others to attend a school committee and selectman meeting in order to make others aware
what we have done in almost year and next steps.
We will carry-on discussion next month Tuesday June 14th 2:30-3:30pm in Room 217.
Take care,
Becky