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School panel approves one-year MOU to bring Foster Grandparent volunteers to Cumberland schools
Summary
The committee approved a memorandum of agreement to participate in the federally funded Foster Grandparent Program for an initial one-year term, following a presentation from the program director about volunteer screening, stipends and evaluation procedures.
The Cumberland School Committee voted unanimously Oct. 9 to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Foster Grandparent Program, limiting the initial agreement to one year at the committee's request.
Melissa Desalt, director of the Foster Grandparent Program (an AmeriCorps Seniors program), told the committee the program recruits older volunteers (55 and older), conducts background checks and fingerprints through the attorney general's office, provides orientation and a small stipend funded by a federal grant (approximately $4 per hour for travel), and places volunteers in schools within about three miles of their homes.
Desalt said the program serves a wide range of grade levels, from preschool through high school, and that volunteers typically commit at least 15 hours per week; exceptions can be made for long‑standing volunteers. She described a process of 30‑day evaluations after placement to ensure the relationship is working for the volunteer, the teacher and the school, and said schools could end a placement early if it proved not to be a fit.
Miss Smith moved to approve the MOU limited to a one‑year term; Miss Goldstein seconded, and the motion passed 6–0.
Next steps: The program will work with district principals to place volunteers and coordinate background checks, orientation and periodic site visits.
