Two public‑forum speakers asked the Escambia County School Board to strengthen in‑school programming: one urged adoption of a resilience and life‑skills training program, and another urged more intentional vocational pathways to address a projected shortage of tradespeople.

Why it matters: speakers argued that both resilience training and stronger career‑tech exposure would help students’ mental health, civic participation and future employability.

What speakers said

Andre Christian, who identified himself as CEO of the local nonprofit Salia Gibson Foundation, described a program called Legacy Impact and asked the board to view parent testimonial videos about the program’s effect on participating children. Christian referenced state action on resiliency training and said the program teaches “mental health, how to be good citizens, mental toughness, academic excellence, the importance of goal setting, accountability, and other life skills.” He asked how to deliver the testimonial videos to the board; a board member offered to accept the video and circulate it to members.

Larry Downs Jr., speaking for Larry Downes Junior Plumbing LLC, urged the board to expand students’ exposure to trades. He cited a long‑term shortfall in skilled tradespeople and urged the district to promote plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing and other trades at earlier grade levels to encourage students toward those careers.

Discussion vs. decision

Discussion: Speakers asked the board to consider adding resilience training programs and increasing elementary and secondary exposure to career‑technical fields. The board did not take any formal action at the meeting but accepted the public comments and offered to receive supplemental materials (e.g., the testimonial video).

Next steps and context

Speakers asked for near‑term consideration; the superintendent or other staff may follow up on how to review the video and evaluate program fit with district curriculum and policy. The board did not commit to adopting any particular curriculum at the meeting.

Ending: The board invited written materials and contact information for follow up; no changes were adopted during the public forum.