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Show Community Involvement Program Organized For Schools in Garfield Specialists from Utah State Board of Education met with residents of Escalante, Tropic and Panguitch to help set up a community involvement system in Garfield County that will provide a means for the public to have a voice in the educational planning of district schools. Joe Rickards and Allan Kap brought out reasons for the citizens of the different communities to become involved. They pointed out if more people are responsible for education the county will get better education. Doug Fonnesbeck, school board member mentioned the importance of having smaller groups in the different communities with representatives from these smaller groups to tie in with a group which included a couple of school board members, teachers and the superintendent. Also Involved in this group would be the PTA, students, business, law, senior citizens, county and city officials, club members and community member. Criteria for forming a successful community Involvement system was discussed, such as good communication and training sessions for the committee members provided by the State Board of Education. Another criteria for success is to let the people know that their input counts. "It takes just one time for someone to be shot down and they may never try again," Rickers aid. A meaningful goal must be set with the time frames being realistic and the committee has to be an on-going group and must experience success early in the process, he said. These goals can be obtained by having a total community involvement, Rickards stressed. He also said the people in this district were fortunate because the elective school board and appointed administrators of the school district see the need of input from the communities, which is a very important factor towards cooperative partnership for the benefit of the students. As a result of the meetings a steering committee was formed to help set up the community involvement system. Rickards and Kap went to Bryce Valley Wednesday to train the steering committee to help them know what they can do to make this community effort a success. Those on the steering com mittee are Kerry Nelson, superintendent; Doug Fon nesbeck, school board member; Debra McKee, Panguitch-Hatch elementary PTA president; Margaret Harding, panguitch-Hatch secondary PTA president; Geraldine Uston, Escalante elementary PTA president; Carol Lynn Porter, escalante High Pta president; Bruce Owens, teacher-principal; Beverly Orrett, State PTA Representative for the county; Jerrie Fackrell, Community Involvement Commissioner and Betty Hopkins, Bryce Valley PTA president. Joe Rickards, left and Allan Kap of the state board of education, write some of the goals which could be achieved In community Involvement program. Program Is designed to nave all facets of the community be a part of major decisions. |