During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the Equity Excellence and Learning Centers (EELC) program at Jacox Elementary School. Natasha Lamell, a former teacher and community educator, highlighted the lack of parental involvement in decision-making processes, emphasizing that parents feel unheard and unrepresented. She pointed out that a scheduled meeting with the principal was canceled, leaving parents without a platform to express their needs.

Lamell also raised issues regarding insufficient before and after school care, noting that the current after-school program is limited in duration and availability, leaving many working parents without adequate support. She stressed the urgency of addressing these gaps as the new school year approaches.

Keenan Baskerville, a community organizer, echoed these sentiments, revealing that many caregivers remain unaware of the EELC program and its objectives. He urged the school board to enhance community engagement and transparency, advocating for the establishment of a caregiver group to facilitate better communication between parents and school administration.

Sharon Johnson, a long-time resident, expressed her frustration over the lack of awareness about available funding for programs that could support students and families. She called for increased parental involvement and mentorship opportunities to help guide children in the community.

Michael Cummings shared his concerns about student safety, particularly after school, and reiterated the need for structured after-school programs to keep children off the streets. He noted that organizations like the Boys and Girls Club are willing to assist but require outreach from the school.

Elyse McMath, a former teacher and community organizer, criticized the school district's lack of transparency regarding the EELC program's implementation. She called for a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the specific wraparound services required by the community, urging the board to allocate part of the $425,000 budgeted for before and after school programs to address childcare needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored a pressing demand for improved communication, parental involvement, and the establishment of essential support services at Jacox Elementary, as community members seek to ensure that the needs of students and families are adequately met.