Family Resource Center at Washington Street to open as ‘Eagles Branch’; board briefed on community‑schools model

Kendra Paris and Jessica Lauder briefed the board on the new Family Resource Center at Washington Street, installed under the Community Schools framework.

Paris described the center as a hub providing food, clothing, hygiene items, technology and internet access so families can apply for jobs and benefits on site. She framed the center as critical to removing barriers in a rural area and emphasized partnership work with principals and community organizations. “This leadership and commitment is going to make the implementation of the family resource center at Washington Street possible,” Paris said.

Jessica Lauder, who works with Student U and supports community schools across the Sand Hills region, outlined the program’s expansion: the Sand Hills initiative grew from nine schools in July 2024 to 23 full‑service community schools in 2025 and is continuing to expand. She said an assets and needs assessment, focus groups and an advisory board (limited to 12 members) will guide programming and funding priorities.

Officials announced the center’s name — Eagles Branch Family Resource Center — and set a public ribbon‑cutting for Friday, March 20 at 11 a.m. The board was invited to attend. Staff said the center will use an asset/needs survey of students, families and staff to determine programming and spending for the coming school year.

The community‑schools approach links school improvement indicators with wraparound services, staff said, and district leaders described planned coordination with existing state‑level frameworks and regional career planning work.

No board vote was required for the presentation; staff requested support and community participation for the grand opening.