South River School Board Launches “Chance Light” Program for High-Risk Students Needing Extra Support

The South River School Board meeting on November 25, 2024, featured discussions around new educational initiatives, including the introduction of the “Chance Light” program aimed at providing high-risk students with both educational and mental health support. The meeting also covered the review of recent events and upcoming programs, as well as approvals of various contracts and budget preparations for the next school year.

One item at the meeting was the unveiling of the “Chance Light” program, set to begin in December. This initiative is designed to offer temporary or long-term instruction coupled with intensive mental health support for students identified as having unique needs. The program will be based on campus, and entry will be by superintendent referral only.

Superintendent Sylvia Zircher provided updates on a variety of educational activities and initiatives. Among these, the board was informed about the successful literacy night event at the primary school, which included interactive activities like storytelling and s’mores making. Additionally, an upcoming parade and a recently held career day were highlighted as part of the district’s efforts to engage students and parents through diverse events.

Budget planning for the 2025–2026 school year is underway, with teachers participating in committees to select new instructional resources, specifically a literacy program for elementary and primary schools. Safety, security, and facility updates are also being considered for the budget, with a public hearing scheduled in the spring for community feedback.

The meeting also touched on the new residency office, tasked with verifying student residency to ensure compliance with district requirements. This office is investigating cases to confirm legitimate residency within South River.

Routine items such as the approval of grants, contracts, and services for the current and subsequent school years were addressed. The board also reviewed and approved the qac self-assessment, a precursor to the state evaluation covering areas like finance and human resources.

In community-related updates, the board acknowledged the success of the high school football team and congratulated senior baseball players on their college signings. The student board representative reported on various school activities, including a food drive and the resolution of a teaching issue within the biology department.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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