Boardman Schools name Jenkins to new parent mentor position

BOARDMAN — Ariel Jenkins has been hired as the Boardman Local Schools' new parent mentor.

Jenkins' job is to provide free support and resources to families of children with disabilities.

“Mrs. Jenkins is energetic and smart, with a great sense of humor and more than anything, a great empathy and understanding that our families are sure to appreciate,” said Katie Fallo, Student Services director.

The new parent mentor position was already in the works well before COVID-19 shut down schools across Ohio until May. Boardman was awarded a $25,000 grant in February from the Ohio Department of Education to pay for the part-time position — the only district in the Mahoning Valley to receive one.

Jenkins, the mother of two Boardman students, may be working remotely but is still just a phone call or email away.

“I am thankful for the opportunity and the ability to provide support for our district families," Jenkins said. "Being a parent of children within the district, I am excited for the development and progression of the parent mentor program right here in our community.”

Parent mentor duties include:

• Attending IEP meetings at the request of families.
• Hosting informational sessions for families.
• Connecting families with local service organizations.
• Providing information to families about federal, state and local special education laws and policies.
• Sharing special education updates with relevant stakeholders.

“The Department of Student Services and the district are extremely grateful to have Mrs. Jenkins as a resource during these uncertain times," Fallo said. "She has already hit the ground running by reaching out to families not only about special education facilitation but to also assess what community resources might be needed during the mandated closure."

This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Boardman Schools name Jenkins to new parent mentor position."