The board's family engagement committee provided an update on plans to open a district family-engagement center at the former Bellinger Hills building.

Committee members said the building has office and common areas suitable for family-facing services and is being cleaned and prepared for occupancy. Committee leaders described plans for a resource roundup to invite nonprofits and local small businesses to partner on programming. Suggested launch activities included community events, family literacy initiatives and later expanded services such as GED classes for parents.

Logistics under consideration include hours of operation, transportation options for families, and staffing (the committee said a dedicated secretary position will help operations). Committee members emphasized the center is intended to add services to — not replace — school-based family engagement.

Why this matters: A centralized family-engagement hub is intended to increase access to supports and partnerships for families districtwide. The board said it will plan a soft opening with community outreach and partners lined up.

Attribution: Update delivered by Miss Portis (family engagement committee member). Facilities staff (Chad Anderson) and superintendent staff will collaborate on logistics and timing for a public opening and dedication event.

Next steps: Committee will finalize a soft-opening date, coordinate partners, and work with communications and facilities on outreach and set-up.