Council leaders hosted a joint meeting at the downtown Event Centre on November 7, 2022. The goal of the collaboration was to continue making positive changes in the city. 

Opening statements were given from Beaumont City Manager Kenneth R. Williams and BISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shannon Allen, followed by public comments. 

Mike Conduff, President and CEO of The Elim Group, facilitated a goal development session where officials spent time doing group exercises and talking over ways to address issues. 

Key items were identified in areas where they want to improve, including economic development and safety in the community, as well as partnerships and opportunities for our youth.

After the team building exercises, the joint meeting discussed safety and violence in the city and schools, service projects, safe routes to schools, support services and more.

“The overarching goal for both the city and Beaumont ISD is to make Beaumont, Texas, the best possible place it can be,” said Allen. “We know that working collaboratively, we can make that happen.” 

Allen and Williams will collectively work together to come up with goals and strategies to present to the city council and school board. 

“An excellent discussion stemmed from the meeting. Everyone wants to see a growing and thriving city,” said Allen. “The comprehensive goal of wanting our city and community to be the very best is consistent among all of our leaders.”

School board and city council members will meet again next semester to roll out strategies to accomplish some of the goals from the meeting.

**Cover photo courtesy of Olivia Malick, Beaumont Enterprise