Hillsboro school superintendent elected president of CIS board
Gordon Mohn, superintendent of schools of Hillsboro USD 410, was elected Jan. 6 as president of the executive board for Communities in Schools (CIS) of Marion County.
Other new officers include Cheri Ochs Wheeler, vice president; Nancy Pihl, secretary; and new board member Tom Nelson of Burdick, who accepted the treasurer position.
Five new board members were elected to fill expired terms. Besides Nelson, other new members are Kim Walker, court services officer for the Eighth Judicial District; David Mayfield, Marion city administrator; Margo Yates, Marion Chamber of Commerce secretary; and Mary Avery of Peabody.
Heath Marrs, Tabor College instructor, and Laura Williams of Florence were elected to second consecutive three-year terms. Other executive board members include Regina Kimbrel and Greg Carlson of Marion, for a total membership of 12 executive board members.
CIS of Marion County is part of a national CIS network of state offices and local programs. CIS collaborates with all five Marion County school districts, the Marion County Health Department, Prairie View Mental Health, the Eighth Judicial District, Marion County Special Education Cooperative, and many other agencies to provide a wide range of programs and activities.
Parents as Teachers, Life Skills Training, Active Parenting, substance abuse prevention and intervention programs, Youth Court, and other successful programs are available to children from birth through high school and their families through the local CIS system.
Since 1998, $400,000 in grant funds has been channeled into the Marion County economy through community collaboration led by CIS. At both the national and local level, more than 80 percent of funds are turned over to other agencies, schools, and organizations for direct services to children and families.
CIS of Marion County is a local tax exempt nonprofit organization. Continuation of the good work of the past two years is dependent upon maintaining support from local government, businesses and individuals, said Linda Ogden, executive director.
Ogden's position is funded by Marion County, incorporated towns, school districts, and other donations. CIS programs are funded through a variety of time-limited grants and in-kind support. USD 410 provides office space, Internet and computer, phone, and supplies for the executive director.
The CIS Interagency Team is a coalition of agencies and individuals that allocates flex funds, educates and connects the CIS network in Marion County.
All citizens interested in CIS are invited to attend the monthly meetings. The next meeting is set for 11:45 a.m. Feb. 14 at Olde Towne Restaurant in Hillsboro. The meetings alternate between Marion and Hillsboro and are held the second Friday of the month, September through June. Debbi Darrow, former CIS executive board member, is the current interagency chairman.
