A group seeking to establish a local Boys and Girls Club of America chapter would like to settle in next door to Washington Elementary School. 

During a meeting of the Robinson Unit 2 school board Tuesday, members of a local advisory committee explained the need for club and how it will benefit not only local youths, but the entire community. They also pitched the idea of building a facility for the club due south of WES on land owned by the school district.

Other than sports, there is a shortage of activities for children and teens ages 6 to 17. The Boys and Girls Club provides mentorship, help with academics, nutrition and health. It also helps youths develop morals, values, work ethics and character, Nikki Westdorp, Heather Beard and former Unit 2 board member Chad Brown said.

“This has been a missing piece of our county for years,” Brown said.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America began as the Boys Club in 1860 when three women decided to offer a positive alternative to boys who roamed the streets. The group’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” 

The local group has partnered with the Evansville Boys and Girls Club, which was established 65 years ago. It has also received support from local government entities, including a $300,000 donation from the Crawford County Board.

It needs a place to set up operations, however. The committee has tentative plans for a 20,000-square-foot facility that will include a gymnasium, cafeteria and rooms for various age-appropriate programs. The plans can be adjusted to fit the location. Brown explained the committee has been seeking a centrally-located site with green space.

The field south of WES is a good fit. The club would be in an area easily accessible to most local residents and could make use of Washington Park. It might also be able to use some school facilities.

Brown asked the board to consider leasing the land to the club for $1 per year for 20 years. No action was taken by board members Tuesday, though.

The board is also considering tighter security at Robinson schools. Superintendent Josh Quick said the goal is for Washington and Lincoln elementary schools and Nuttall Middle School to have vestibules like the one at  Robinson High School. Also, the process used to determine who is granted admission during the school day will be standardized.

“We’re not trying to keep people out,” Quick explained. “But there are a lot of situations during the day where they just don’t need to come in.”

Visitors will be allowed access to the vestibule where they can be seen by school officials. They will be asked their identities and why they are there. Those allowed in will sign in at the office, then sign out when they leave.

Most will likely transact their business at the entrance – for example, they may drop off items for students with school employees – then leave.

“If you don’t need to come in the building, then you’re not going to,” Quick said.

Quick said school secretaries will usually be the ones handling visitors.

“Secretaries are on the front line,” he said. “They do a great job and play a big role in safety management.”

Of course, Quick expects there may be some pushback from the public. Some will think the standards are too strict, while others will think they aren’t strict enough.

Overall, however, most people will understand the need, he said. “The overwhelming majority of parents understand we’re doing it for safety reasons.”

Unit 2 is also looking into changes in its Career and Technical Education internship program.

The district may hire a part-time internship coordinator who will set up student internships at local businesses and keep track of students while on the job. The program may also tie in closer to courses offered at the technical center that is soon to be built at Lincoln Trail College.

The goal is for students to gain certification in various technical fields that will allow them to go straight into the work force after graduation.

In personnel matters, board members hired Dani Phillippe as an NMS secretary, Michael Johnson as a special education paraprofessional, Beth Rynke as a WES tutor, Steve Kidwell and Robin Goens as flex bus drivers and Debra York as a permitted driver for the district’s Chevrolet Suburbans.

Shannon Goebel was approved as a volunteer Scholastic Bowl coach, Jamesha Western was approved as a volunteer assistant track coach and Sydni Bailey was approved as a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at NMS. Robert Riddle resigned as a part-time RHS custodian and third-grade teacher Karly Smith was granted a leave of absence in April and May.

Unit 2 is seeking applicants for a temporary seat on the board.

Mary Jane Parker, whose term was to end in April, has moved out of the township and range she represented and has resigned. She was not seeking re-election.

The district is open to applications for the seat, but it has not been determined if the board will actually fill it for the short time left on Parker’s term.

Unit 2 may be in the market for a second temporary board member. Another incumbent who is not seeking re-election, Amy Stone, said she will be moving in March.