Board debates options to host legislators; leans toward short local visit format

Trustees discussed how to engage state and county legislators and delegates about Richland School District 2 district priorities, with three options presented by board members: a comprehensive half‑day legislative event, a one‑to‑one‑and‑a‑half hour visit at the district’s R2I2 facility, or individual outreach by trustees using a staff‑prepared one‑page summary.

Board member Mrs. Porter introduced the proposals and said she had drafted three options to gather feedback. Option A would be a half‑day event with updates, Q&A, facility tours and lunch during the summer; Option B would be a shorter 60–90 minute visit or a 1.5‑hour event at R2I2 showcasing programs and facilities; Option C would be individualized outreach by trustees supported by a staff one‑page summary of celebrations and challenges.

Several trustees said they preferred Option B as a practical, budget‑conscious way to invite legislative engagement. Mrs. Williams asked how the event would be funded; Mrs. Porter said any board‑sponsored event would be paid from the board budget. Mr. Dennis and other board members noted legislators’ limited availability and the importance of scheduling at times that work for delegates; trustees suggested later‑day windows (for example, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.) or coordinating the outreach with existing board events when possible.

Mr. Trapp urged the board to adopt a mindset of regularly inviting legislators to district events and to coordinate invitations for events such as performing‑arts openings that already occur. Porter and Trapp said they would follow up with trustees to assign calls to the delegation and return with a recommended schedule and format.