Board approves agreements with Friends of the Children after presentation on long-term mentorship program
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Summary
Friends of the Children presented its Rapid City program and the board voted 7-0 to approve proposed agreements; presenters described program model, data uses and parental consent procedures and confirmed a district memorandum of understanding exists.
Friends of the Children — a national mentoring organization — presented its Rapid City chapter and the board approved proposed agreements with the organization in a 7–0 vote.
Tyresha Greyhorse, program director for Friends of the Children Rapid City, described the program model: professional mentors serve at most eight youth each, meeting two hours per week in schools and also working with families, starting with children ages 4–6 and continuing through high school graduation. Greyhorse said the Rapid City site opened in 2022 and serves students in 12 district elementary schools.
Greyhorse presented national outcome statistics the program cites: 83% of program participants graduate high school, 98% avoid teenage parenthood, 92% enroll in postsecondary education, military service or enter the workforce after graduation, and 93% remain free from juvenile-justice involvement. The Rapid City program also partners with United Way of the Black Hills, she said.
Board members asked about data sharing and access to Skyward. Greyhorse said mentors use parental release-of-information forms to access family and school data and that Friends of the Children has a signed memorandum of understanding with the district. "We have a signed MOU with the district," said Mr. Swan, confirming the legal framework and FERPA protections.
After the presentation President Carr called for a motion to approve the proposed agreements. The motion was moved and seconded; the board approved the agreements by voice vote. "Aye. Motion carries 7–0," the record shows.
Board members thanked the presenters and asked about program funding and staff retention; Greyhorse said the national office assists with grant writing, Friends of the Children partners locally with United Way and the program is actively seeking donors and grants to sustain operations.
The presenter noted the program currently has limited openings and that referrals and enrollment decisions are coordinated with school principals and teachers based on family consent.