5/20/2026 - Regular School, Family & Community Partnership Committee Meeting

The Bristol Public Schools School, Family & Community Partnership Committee held a regular meeting on May 20, 2026. The meeting focused primarily on the district's mentorship program and business-community partnerships. Discussion highlighted challenges in maintaining mentor participation due to changes such as remote work reducing local employee availability, and the loss of major business partners like ESPN and the Barnes Group. The committee explored strategies to increase mentor recruitment, including outreach to retired teachers, men's groups, and group mentoring models. They also discussed the need for background checks for mentors and the absence of formal training requirements. Additionally, the committee considered ways to strengthen business partnerships to support schools without overburdening local businesses, including organizing a list of supportive businesses and enhancing community engagement through social media. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.