The Enterprise City Board of Education on June 30 approved an adoption agreement to participate in the "Helping Families" initiative after a presentation by Dr. Thomas and prior input from District Attorney James Tarbox.
"It is my recommendation that you approve the adoption agreement as presented," Dr. Thomas said, and the board voted in favor by voice and hand raise. Dr. Thomas told the board the program already has one staff member in place and that officials expect to hire two additional positions.
A board member asked whether the district's share of the program budget would be "41,000" based on student population. Dr. Thomas confirmed that figure was approximately the district's portion and said the program is intended to be preventative rather than punitive. He added the program will provide regular statistics and maintain communication with district staff (identified in the packet as Miss Wizenberry) so the board can monitor progress.
Board members praised the concept and noted the program's emphasis on outreach and presence in students' homes, describing initial hires as social-worker types who would be comfortable conducting family visits. No specific vetoes, amendments, or vote tallies were recorded on the public record beyond the voice affirmation of approval.
The board directed that program results be reported periodically; Dr. Thomas said staff will "circle back at the end of each year" with statistics. The agreement will move forward subject to the district's oversight and the staffing timeline described at the meeting.