Liaison role, increased youth involvement are ERC goals
The Town of Farragut’s Education Relations Committee has a new focus for the coming year, thanks to several months of work by Farragut Vice Mayor Louise Povlin and Trevor Hobbs, assistant to the Town administrator.
Povlin, who served on the committee last year, worked closely with Hobbs to help define the ERC’s goals, as she said earlier this year she “became increasingly frustrated” with discerning the group’s focus and purpose.
“I worked with Trevor on determining ‘What does success look like?’” she explained to the ERC on Tuesday, July 16, as she presented suggested goals for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Those listed were focusing on honoring athletic/academic achievements; acting as a liaison between the schools and Farragut’s Public Relations Department and helping publicize school-sponsored community events; and promoting youth engagement.
This last element prompted one of two Committee Charter changes — approved by Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen Thursday, July 25 — which would provide for two youth members, rather than the one previously allowed, with either or both serving up to two-year terms.
Povlin suggested keeping current ERC student member and rising FHS senior Alisha Soni on in the coming year. The group then chose rising FHS junior Claudia Levi.
The Vice Mayor added she would like to specifically focus on Farragut High School in the coming year. “If we can figure out that piece, I believe the rest (of the schools) will follow,” she said. “But I feel like we have to get that right.
“The quality of life and education component of our Town is a big draw for people looking to relocate,” Povlin added. “That school is what brings people to the Town of Farragut, and I want them to see that we are engaged with our schools.”
The ERC will next meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.
