First city school of government class full, but apps encouraged
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on February 27, 2014 1:46 PM
Registration for the first school of government classes offered by the city of Goldsboro is full, but city officials are not asking for application to stop.
"We may need to open up another class or keep them for the next round, but we aren't asking people to stop," City Manager Scott Stevens said. "Anyone interested in going through the program should contact Laterrie Ward in Community Affairs."
The classes, beginning in March, will teach residents about how local government works.
The free program is a collaboration between Assistant City Manager Angel Wright-Lanier and Ms. Ward.
The program will consist of eight classes lasting from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a break in the middle, once a week.
Each class will feature guests from different city departments highlighting what each one does, Mrs. Wright-Lanier said.
The first class, beginning March 13 at City Hall, will focus on the mayor and city manager and staff.
The goal, she explained, is to not only educate people what government actually does, but also about how they can become more involved in it.
City officials hope that participation in the program will inspire participants to apply for vacancies in the city boards.
There are currently 24 vacancies across nine city boards.
But, Mrs. Wright-Lanier said, even if they don't end up filling the empty spots, if they can educate people about local government, then they will consider it a successful effort.
While the class size is limited to 20 for this first class future classes could be adjusted based on interest, she said.
Of the 20 slots, 16 are reserved for city residents.
The program is expected to cost the city between $2,500 and $3,000 -- it is free to the participants -- and graduates will receive a commemorative plaque.