Youth bureau finds possible student board members

JOHNSTOWN - The Fulton County Youth Bureau may have more student members interested in joining its advisory board.

Last month, the agency put out word it was seeking more student members, which it is required to have. The agency only has one youth member, a student from Johnstown High School, although it normally has several youth members attend its monthly meetings.

On Monday, bureau Director Charis Gray and the board welcomed five high school students - Kyle Garguilo and Jenna Salvatore of Gloversville High School, Chris Plunkett and Karla Chun of Broadalbin-Perth High School, and Carrie Benton of Johnstown - as potential new board members.

The agency board can, by law, have a maximum of 28 members. The agency wants to have one teen from each of the county's six high schools on the board. The board needs a minimum of two youth members. The agency seeks high school students, especially those in grades nine and 10 who can stay a few years.

Students interested in serving on the Youth Bureau may call the agency office at 736-5505.

In regular business Monday, Gray gave a state funding update, noting Gov. David Paterson is proposing a 10 percent cut for 2009 in any undisbursed youth funding - funding that the bureau allocated already to youth agencies that hasn't been spent yet.

Gray urged agencies to get vouchers out as soon as possible. She also looked ahead to 2010.

"It looks like we're going to get some kind of cut," Gray said.

Larry Hayes, the bureau's liaison from the state Office of Children & Family Services, said the state has a statewide $5 billion reduction plan.

"They're talking about across the board cuts," Hayes said, but noted they are still only proposed.

Still, he said OCFS has been "directed to cut funds."

Hayes said the only positive is that all counties' funding reductions are being treated in the same way.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.

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Discobulous
10-24-09 7:16 PM »Report Abuse	Beavis & Butthead should volunteer.
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