Jefferson City Public Schools' Board of Education heard a recommendation Monday night to restructure leadership of the district's mentorship program.
The district's program, "JC Champions," began in 2010, Superintendent Larry Linthacum said. He explained the district used to be the only one in the state to have a full-time mentoring coordinator, but the board made a decision of financial stewardship to cut that position.
"It's not a secret that the program has suffered a little bit," board President Steve Bruce said. He said there hasn't been a full-time mentoring coordinator for about a year.
Amy Berendzen, district director of school-community relations, presented a recommendation to the board Monday evening for the merger of the district's mentoring program with the services of the Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"And by that, we mean the district would provide financial assistance and backing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, allowing them to manage and lead the mentoring program for Jefferson City" as a single, unified service, Berendzen said.
The agreement would keep JCPS' proposed financial contributions in place for up to two years, "at which point in time we will re-evaluate the position, and Big Brothers Big Sisters may then be able to at that point absorb those financial (needs), that would be constraints at this point in time," she said.
Linthacum said the district's financial contribution under the recommended plan would be about $22,000-$23,000 a year.
"Jefferson City Public Schools would absolutely be involved in the selection of this mentoring program coordinator," Berendzen said of the position that would operate on-site at Big Brothers Big Sisters. She added JCPS would also have membership and representation on the nonprofit's advisory committee.
She said she had spoken earlier Monday with Lee Knernschield, who said she is also going to take the proposal and recommendation to her organization's board of directors, "and hopefully get back to us with their input and potential approval this week." Knernschield is the director for the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The nonprofit has been providing services to Cole County children since 1989, and the program currently serves more than 250 children a year.
"I think strengthening is the best word," Berendzen said of what the merger would do for mentorship within the district. "Not that we're going to revamp or redo anything, but by having that sole provider of Big Brothers Big Sisters leading the cause, it helps provide enhanced accountability and safety for our volunteers and our mentors."
She added there would be more "consistency and continuity" in bringing on new mentors, training and checking in with them "to make sure we, as mentors are meeting and fulfilling our requirements." Big Brothers Big Sisters would serve as a "one-stop shop" resource for the needs of the district's mentors, under the guidance of the new mentoring coordinator.
Berendzen said a job description for the coordinator would be posted by Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a memorandum of understanding that outlines each organization's responsibilities and other details will be drafted.
Bruce asked if students at Callaway Hills and North elementary schools would be able to be part of the proposed program. Berendzen said Knernschield offered assurances that with a full-time coordinator, service for those Callaway County students will be possible.
Linthacum said the board would be given another update at their next meeting. No decision was made Monday night.
"I'm glad there's a plan," Norma Rahm said after the meeting, but she added "it's just pretty last minute." Rahm and fellow JCPS mentors Vivian Murphy and Diane Low attended the board meeting.
The three mentors said they have full confidence in Big Brothers Big Sisters to oversee the program and agreed a coordinator is needed, but they wanted more time for the transition before the coming school year starts.
Berendzen said once a final decision is made, mentors will be the first to know.
Once paired, the school district's mentors follow their mentees from one grade or building to another. The program takes place during the school day in 20- to 40-minute sessions.
"We're passionate (so) that they don't fall through the cracks," Low said of serving at-risk students. As role model who can help a student build self-esteem, she said mentoring helps younger students go on to excel in middle and high school, through a relationship of demonstrated and supportive interest.
Bruce said the district is committed to returning the program to the level of quality it used to have. "This is their bread and butter," he said of Big Brothers Big Sisters' services, and he added a unified front will keep the district from being in the perceived position of competition in providing services.