Lakeland board approves student Club America after public testimony
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Summary
After public comment and review of a student application, the Lakeland board approved a student-sponsored Club America chapter (Turning Point–affiliated) with a staff sponsor; the student said the club will promote civic engagement and constitutional literacy.
The Lakeland Joint School District board approved a student application to form a student-sponsored Club America chapter at Lakeland High School following brief public testimony.
A student applicant told the board the club aims to increase civic engagement among young people, teach constitutional basics and encourage voter awareness. The student said low voter turnout in the county motivated the proposal: "I put in for this club because... it really is gonna get students involved in participating in civic engagement," the applicant said.
Board members reviewed the application and confirmed a staff sponsor was willing to support the club. A motion to approve the application passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public transcript.
Earlier in the meeting, a public commenter had criticized an initial denial of a Club America application and raised concerns about process and policy application; board members acknowledged the procedural concern and clarified that school policy requires principal review and superintendent submission before board action. For this application the board accepted the paperwork and granted approval.
The board did not attach special conditions to the approval in the public meeting discussion; trustees asked staff to follow standard procedures for sponsored student organizations going forward.