Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Schools topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carbondale schools report community resource center progress; 20 referrals made in first weeks
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Brooke Kensler said both resource centers are under construction, CMS already hosts services, the food pantry served 50 families and a new online referral system recorded 20 referrals in its opening weeks; vision follow-up gaps prompted an MOU with a local eyecare provider.
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Brooke Kensler updated the board on Community Schools work, saying both resource centers are under construction and that Carbondale Middle School already offers services including the Shawnee Health Clinic and a mental-health office. Kensler told the board the district has distributed an initial shipment from the STL food pantry to 50 families and, "In just the first few weeks, 20 referrals have been submitted," covering needs such as food insecurity, medical care, housing and vision.
Kensler flagged a significant gap in vision follow-up: of 623 students screened last year, 124 were referred and only four completed the follow-up process, "leaving 120 children with unknown vision status." She said limited local providers who accept Medicaid and long wait times are primary barriers and that the district is finalizing an MOU with Complete Family Eyecare through the Community Schools Collaborative to speed appointments and provide glasses when needed.
