Community volunteers ask the board to back a school 'Giving Shelf' and a countywide mentorship program

At the start of public participation, two community members requested district support for neighborhood initiatives aimed at students.

Monica Williams, representing Leadership Clayton’s Class of 2026, asked the board to endorse a “Giving Shelf” at Riverdale Middle School that would make school supplies, hygiene items, nonperishable food and basic clothing available to students and staff. She said the project — developed with the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce — will be launched with a donation drive on July 11 at two drop‑off locations (Jonesboro City Center and the Clayton County Library Headquarters) and that sponsors will be recognized through school‑approved materials. “Our goal is for this to be an ongoing community partnership that will stock the shelf not only throughout this school year but for many years to come,” Williams said.

The board verbally agreed to the request and asked the interim superintendent to follow up on district communications and endorsement.

Later in public comment, student leader Gabriel Addison urged the board to establish a centralized, countywide mentorship initiative for young men, arguing mentorship helps young men develop leadership, resilience and alternatives to violence. “How many more young men must end up in jail, become victim to violence, or lose hope before we decide it is enough?” Addison asked. Board members thanked him, said they would meet with him and board leadership, and directed staff to explore how to build or expand mentorship efforts.

Both requests were recorded during the public comment portion of the meeting; no formal board votes were taken on either initiative that evening. The board directed staff to follow up and to return any items that require formal action on a future agenda.