School board directors were introduced Monday at their regular meeting to 16 new educators for the academic year.

One of those is Tanya Brown, the district's first-ever parent and community volunteer coordinator. She's charged with incorporating townspeople to help care for, watch over and nurture the student body, be it as crossing guards, guest lecturers or financial donors.

"It takes a village to raise a child," said the mother of a second and fourth grader. "Well, in our case, a town."

Brown's goal for the academic year is simple: get volunteers back into the school to help students.

"I think it's achievable," she said.

In related news, members of the Mancos Parent Teacher Association led efforts offer the weekend to raise awareness for a new proposed middle school sign. An anonymous donor has offered to completely fund a new two-sided illuminated sign, but current zoning restrictions prohibit such electronic signage. The planning and zoning commission is slated to host a public hearing on the matter on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

The proposed sign design includes carved stone pillars on the sides with the school logo on top. Controlled programmable messages could also be streamed below the sign, which would have landscaping around the base.

The PTA has suggested the sign only be illuminated between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Brown said the sign could also be used to warn residents of emergencies, such as last year's Weber Fire.

"The town is opposed, because the sign flashes and scrolls, and has the potential to be distractive to passers-by," Brown said.

PTA has gone to state and federal historical society to get approval and there are no encumbrances at that level. Locally, additional input from the community is being sought. Two other "petitions" have gone out, one before the application and other after a revision to the artwork. The sign will be on the agenda of the town board meeting on Sept. 18.

In related news:

A school-wide open house will be held Sept. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Parents interested in preschool placements or after school programs are especially invited as officials weigh whether or not to expand those programs.

Due to federal sequestration, funding for the school's Head Start program was slashed this year, forcing officials to reduce the number of participating students from 15 to 13.

The next school board meeting is slated for Sept. 16.