Friendsville designates elementary school a community school; council backs weekly Walking School Bus

Friendsville Elementary School was designated a community school, and the Friendsville Mayor and Town Council unanimously approved support for a weekly "Walking School Bus" that will start at the Friendsville Community Park and run to the school.

Heather Roth, the Community School Specialist, told the council the community school designation covers the specialist’s salary and provides for a full-time school nurse; any remaining funds can support wrap-around services. Roth said she will perform a needs assessment to identify student and family needs and community strengths.

Roth asked the council to support the Walking School Bus initiative to promote healthy habits and community involvement. She said kickoff events are scheduled for Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, 2024, and the program will continue every Wednesday during the 2024–25 school year; she reported 23 students and 18 parents had signed up so far. The council voted 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions to approve and support the Walking School Bus (Motion #3). Mayor Spencer R. Schlosnagle said town maintenance employees will help manage traffic and set cones during events to improve safety.

The designation and program aim to expand supports at the school — including health services and coordinated community resources — while encouraging safe, active travel to school. Council members framed the vote as a community partnership step: the motion to support the Walking School Bus was moved by Council member Sheryl MacLane and seconded by Council member Michael Artice.

The council approved the agenda and earlier minutes at the same session and took multiple other routine actions. The Walking School Bus support is recorded as Motion #3 in the council minutes; the program’s kickoff dates and weekly schedule were announced during the Sept. 23 meeting.