Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board members highlight Fit Closet volunteer needs and near-capacity childcare accelerator
Summary
Board members reported overflowing Fit Closet donations and a near-full Flint Hills Business Accelerator with childcare slots almost filled; volunteers were asked to help sort donations and staff emphasized community benefits including work-based learning and childcare for employee recruitment.
Several board members used the Aug. 20 meeting to highlight community partnerships supporting USD 383 students and families, including an overfull Fit Closet that needs volunteer sorters and a newly opened Flint Hills Business Accelerator whose childcare slots are nearly full.
Board members said the Fit Closet has received a large volume of donations that exceed immediate sorting capacity; maintenance staff have been storing extra bins at a district warehouse. Volunteers are needed to sort clothes on Fridays (shifts 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. were identified) and Jenna (Fit Closet lead) was given an email contact at the meeting to coordinate volunteers. Board members described common sorting tasks: assessing stains or holes and placing serviceable items on hangers for distribution.
Separately, board members reported on the ribbon cutting for the Flint Hills Business Accelerator and said nearly all business slots were occupied at opening. Board members connected the accelerator to local workforce and childcare needs, saying that adequate childcare is important for retaining or recruiting district employees; one board member said the accelerator’s childcare capacity will address long-standing community childcare shortages. Members also described employer-hosted work-based learning placements for high school students, noting the mutual benefits for students and participating businesses.
Board members thanked community donors and volunteers for supporting school programs and called for additional volunteer help to manage donations until the Fit Closet’s sorting backlog is cleared.
