Thursday, June 30, 2011 1:52 pm

   Bittersweet was the atmosphere for the June meeting of the Communities In Schools Board of Directors as they said goodbye to several charter directors and hello to new directors. Stepping down after starting in 1998 with the old Rutherford County School Foundation, these Directors were involved in the stakeholder groups co-sponsored with Realize Rutherford which led to the charter of Communities In Schools in 2006. Our first Board Chair, Frank Faucette, spoke of his appreciation for the work of CISRC, and the need for new blood to energize the seeds planted by that early group and brought to harvest by becoming CISRC. Still a strong supporter, he promises to volunteer for Stuff the Bus this summer and encourages the new Directors to embrace the opportunity to serve our students. Joining Faucette are charter directors, Jackie Hampton and Beth Miller. As with Faucette both promise to be back as volunteers for the many things we do each year – Miller said she especially enjoyed being a “Wild Water Woman” for the Leader of the Pack 5K & Fun Run, that group got handing out water down to a science this year. Hampton is a volunteer extraordinaire and in addition to being out in the heat for Stuff the Bus last year, she came and helped sort the donated school supplies for distribution to each of the schools.
   Those leaving CISRC have much to be proud of: in 2010-2011 Communities In Schools delivered $134,000 in Level I and Level II Services to the students of Rutherford County’s public schools, this was provided through grants, in-kind donations, and donations by individuals and was over and above their budget of $134,00.
Article and photos submitted by:
Charlotte Ware Epley, Executive Director Communities In Schools of Rutherford County