During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around dropout prevention initiatives, particularly highlighting the mentorship program facilitated by Align Consulting. Board member Benjamin Seis expressed gratitude for the service of long-standing food service worker Cynthia King, before pivoting to the critical issue of student retention.

Seis emphasized the importance of the mentorship program, which has been piloted in Manatee County over the past two years. He noted that despite the program's complexity and rising costs, it has yielded significant results that have garnered attention from state officials. However, he raised concerns about the program's abrupt discontinuation and the lack of updates on its status, especially as the school year approaches its second month.

Seis urged the board to prioritize the program, suggesting a workshop or formal agenda item to explore funding options and ensure its continuation. His call to action reflects a broader commitment to addressing dropout rates and enhancing student support systems within the district. The board's response to this proposal remains to be seen, but the urgency of the matter underscores the ongoing challenges in educational retention strategies.