Davis School District opens first statewide teen centers to support at-risk students

During the Davis School District Board of Education Business Meeting held on January 21, 2025, significant discussions centered around the recent establishment of teen centers in local high schools, a pioneering initiative in Utah aimed at supporting vulnerable students.

The meeting began with a reminder to attendees about the guidelines for public comments, emphasizing respect and the prohibition of personal grievances against district employees. Jason Smith, a father of five and a member of the Davis Education Foundation Board, was the sole speaker during the public comment period. He expressed gratitude for the district's educators and highlighted the importance of the newly opened teen centers, which are designed to provide essential resources and support for students.

Smith noted that Davis School District is the first in the state to implement such services across all high schools, marking a historic achievement. The teen centers aim to serve as safe havens, offering resources like showers, laundry facilities, food pantries, and student advocates. These initiatives are intended to help keep students engaged in their education while equipping them with skills necessary for adulthood, ultimately addressing issues like chronic homelessness and poverty.

The Davis Education Foundation has played a crucial role in this initiative, with Smith acknowledging the support from the school board and district leadership that has enabled the foundation to establish these centers. Since the project's inception in 2019, eleven centers have been completed, reflecting a commitment to innovation and student-centered solutions within the district.

The meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to addressing the needs of its students, particularly those facing significant challenges. As the board continues to listen to community feedback, the success of the teen centers may serve as a model for other districts looking to implement similar support systems. The ongoing partnership between the school board and the Davis Education Foundation is expected to foster further developments in student support initiatives in the future.