Students launch 'Bring Elijah Home' campaign; two school-board candidates speak

Jennifer Jelenic, an adviser for the Sources of Strength student group, told the board that roughly 70 students and eight advisors completed a recent training and have developed a campaign called 'Bring Elijah Home.' The initiative will begin at Clark (LB Clark) and expand to other district buildings; campaign elements include a selfie banner with a heart, rubber bracelets bearing the campaign message and labeled water bottles to distribute to volunteers and civil servants supporting the effort. Jelenic said students would draft a short press release and that youth-led creativity will guide outreach to local businesses for support.

During new-business time the board also introduced two school-board candidates. Wendy Klusky Brandt briefly described her civic and community involvement and emphasized fiscal responsibility and goals-setting for the district. Zack (Zach) Peterson, who later addressed the meeting, said he has 25 years with the local fire department, six years on the school board and family ties to district schools; he cited interest in continuing oversight of policy, safety and the district's ongoing construction projects.

The board accepted a $100 donation from Howard Zimmerman, read into the record by Dana McClin of KIC, to support student field trips.

Ending: Candidates were thanked for stepping forward; the board reminded the public of the April 2 spring election and the April 22 reorganization meeting when newly elected members will be seated.