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Communities in Schools reports improved attendance, behavior and post‑secondary placement for Caldwell students
Summary
Presenters told the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners that the Communities in Schools program served 451 students this year, produced a 100% graduation rate among seniors in the program, and spent more than $8,000 on emergency services; commissioners heard program outcomes and thanked staff for county funding.
Communities in Schools of Caldwell County told the Board of Commissioners on July 14 that its school‑based services reached hundreds of students and produced measurable improvements in attendance, behavior and graduation rates. The presentation described services, community partnerships and budget details and closed with a request for continued local funding support.
The program “serve[s] 451 students” directly and provided “whole‑school services” to 4,641 students across the district, presenter Keith Hyman said. Hyman added that among seniors who participated in the program, the graduation rate was 100 percent. "We're very proud to say that out of our seniors, we had a hundred percent graduation rate," Hyman said.
Why it matters: County funding supports counseling, mentoring, emergency assistance and career‑readiness activities that the presenters said reduce short‑term barriers to staying in school and help connect students to vocational and college pathways.
Program details and outcomes presented to the board led by Hyman and two social workers, Sharman Frizzell and Eddie Peebles, included: 451 students served directly, 4,641 students receiving whole‑school services, a 100 percent senior graduation rate for students in the program, 99 percent of students remained enrolled in high school, 97 percent improved behavior (unless removed for suspension), and 80 percent of students improved or maintained attendance. Presenters said 25 program seniors are enrolled at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute; four students joined the military; 11 will attend four‑year universities; and 17 entered the workforce.
The presenters outlined program activities: classroom‑based “real skills” lessons (communication, critical thinking and accountability), mentor matching (96 mentors across seven schools this year), community service projects (food drives and animal‑shelter work), and career and college tours coordinated with Caldwell Community College and other partners. The program also hosts a mentor recognition banquet and partners with local employers — presenters noted Bernhardt Furniture employees provided about a third of volunteer mentors and were permitted to participate on company time.
Financial and emergency support: Hyman told the commissioners that Communities in Schools spent more than $8,000 this year on emergency services for students and families, covering food, clothing, rent and utility assistance. Presenters said those expenditures were made possible through grants and county support; they thanked the board for being “one of our largest providers.”
What commissioners asked and decided: Board members thanked the presenters and reaffirmed their support; no formal budget action was taken at the meeting. The presentation concluded with commissioners noting the program’s role in preparing students for post‑secondary education and careers and emphasizing continued county funding as part of broader youth services.
The county manager and commissioners did not raise objections during the presentation and acknowledged the program’s metrics and partnerships as beneficial for the school system and local employers.
