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Parents, staff and students urge renewal of Leader in Me; board approves one‑year renewal
Summary
During public comment, teachers, parents and a student told the Linn‑Mar board that the Leader in Me program at Wilkins Elementary has improved student leadership and confidence. The board approved a one‑year renewal for $6,893.50 with one abstention.
The Linn‑Mar Community School District Board of Directors approved a one‑year renewal of the Leader in Me program at Wilkins Elementary on a motion that carried with one abstention.
Several parents, staff and a student spoke during the public‑comment period to urge renewal. "Leader in Me helps us teach students to set goals, take responsibility, collaborate, solve problems, and develop leadership skills," said Camille Lindsay, who introduced herself as a Lindmar staff member and an English‑language‑learner teacher. Lindsay told the board the program supports students across backgrounds and helps ELL learners "recognize their strengths and contribute as leaders even before they are fully confident in English."
Nicole Mohler, a parent who said her family open‑enrolls into the district to attend Wilkins, said the program contributed to her children’s confidence and academic engagement. "My soon‑to‑be fourth grader's confidence skyrocketed," she said, and described choosing Wilkins specifically for the program. Student speaker Riley described how the program and its lighthouse student leadership opportunities taught communication and empathy; Riley said removing the program would "make us sad" and called it "an important source to Wilkins." Brenda Serwick, speaking as a parent and educator who subbed throughout neighboring districts, told the board she had contacted 34 Wilkins families and found at least 11 had open‑enrolled to Wilkins specifically for Leader in Me; she said two families had purchased homes to attend the school.
After public comment, the board considered Item 701: "Motion to approve the one‑year renewal of Leader in Me for Wilkins Elementary for a cost of $6,893.50." The motion was moved and seconded; when the board voted the motion carried with one member recorded as abstaining.
The board did not record additional conditions tied to the renewal in the meeting transcript. The public‑comment segment and the board vote reflected strong community support for the Wilkins program and a single‑year renewal approved by the board.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for July 13; no further action on the Leader in Me item was noted in the record.
