Commission agrees to pilot student wellness outreach at Beeman; members press for missing data

Commissioners discussed a proposed youth-facing wellness and outreach program and agreed to test a focused pilot at Beeman school rather than launching across multiple schools. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for student input and said the commission lacks the survey data and program packet assembled by Mr. Williams, which several commissioners said was shown at an earlier meeting but not shared with the full commission.

Faith, the commission’s liaison to the mayor, and other members urged the group to collect or confirm student feedback before expanding the program. Commissioners discussed operational details raised by members: the list of participating providers included three barber shops and two salons (one commissioner said the list had been photographed and given to staff), and another estimate put the number of possible providers in town at five to 10. Commissioners urged starting small — “start with Beeman,” several members said — and building a clear, two-page packet with objectives, expected outcomes and a short budget estimate to present to the council for possible grant support.

Speakers discussed potential funding sources such as local health-department community grants and noted a prior example where $25,000 was secured for a related study or consultant. Members noted the timeline constraint: with schools out in about three months, a pilot would need rapid follow-up to capture student participation this school year. The commission asked Faith to follow up with Mr. Williams to request the materials and to invite the superintendent (identified in the meeting as Matos Vasquez) to a future meeting to discuss partnership and feasibility.

No formal motion was adopted on the pilot at this meeting. Commissioners approved routine administrative items and listed follow-up tasks for staff to compile data and prepare a concise packet for council review.