KINGWOOD — Preston Board of Education’s recent meeting included a discussion and approval of a memorandum of understanding and service agreement between Preston County Schools and Libera WV.
The measure passed with a 4-1 vote. Cross Kisner voted against it.
At the previous meeting, Kisner asked that a decision to provide an MOU and service agreement be tabled so he could have time to further look at the material provided. The motion passed 3-1, with Lucas Tatham voting against it.
Beth Currence, program director for Libera, told board members Libera provides three services to empower girls, including listening groups that listen with empathy and without judgment. She said the groups typically run eight to 10 weeks and can be in person or virtual. Although it has a mentor program students are referred to the school counselor.
During the meeting, Currence said the group also provides LovePacks for foster kids. The free LovePacks are drawstring backpacks filled with age-appropriate mental health books and resources, along with prevention materials and videos for kids at risk. The program works with girls only.
She said in collaboration with SHIELD Task Force, student body safety is presented to K-12. At the end of the assembly, a counselor answers student questions. SHIELD Task Force focuses on child abuse and prevention efforts.
“If your mentors don’t give advice why do you call yourself mentors?” Kisner asked.
“We’re responsible for the whole child. One school counselor can’t reach all of the students. We need other resources,” board member Pam Feathers said.
To contact Libera or to see a full list of the resources it provides go to www.liberawv.com/resources.
In other business, the board:
- Recognized Mark Ringer, Ashley Knowilton and Abigail Davis, who attended the Governor’s Honors Academy at Fairmont State University.
- Recognized PHS students Emily Shillingburg, Taryn Veltri, Grace Shaffer, Ashley Knowilton, Marli Phillips and Ariana Huffman, who attended the West Virginia Girls’ State Program on the campus of Davis and Elkins College. The event is considered West Virginia’s premier leadership academy and participants dedicated themselves to learning more about Americanism and citizenship.
- Recognized Alex Burns, Colin Savage, Liam Savage and Aidan Hart who attended the West Virginia Boy’s State Program at Jackson’s Mill. The event is considered West Virginia’s premier leadership academy and participants dedicated themselves to learning more about Americanism and citizenship.
The next meeting of the Preston County Board of Education will be 6 p.m. July 24.
