Rockville Youth Commission Meeting Summary - September 15, 2026

The Rockville Youth Commission met to set term priorities, plan outreach to high school student governments, and prepare for a youth town hall. Chair Becca Fulton presided, with members Jack Marvia, Alex Yao, Didiella Naaman, and Alex McGrianis; staff liaisons Melinda Norton and Jordan Perry; and special guest Chelsea, youth representative to the Education Commission. Note: the transcript states the meeting was held Monday, December 9, 2024, at 4 p.m., which conflicts with the September 15, 2026 date used for this summary.

Call to Order, Introductions & Agenda

• Chair Becca Fulton called the meeting to order; members, staff, and special guest Chelsea introduced themselves.
• Chelsea, youth representative ambassador on the Education Commission, said the Education Commission wanted to collaborate and hear the Youth Commission's ideas and opinions on topics of interest.
• The agenda was reviewed: chair's report, staff liaison reports, youth commission goals overview and discussion, and current opportunities.

Discussion Items

• Goals overview and priorities: Members discussed term goals, including outreach to high schools, building relationships with student government associations (SGAs), school visits, and recruiting new members. A member noted that anyone from Rockville High School or the Twinbrook area (transcribed as "20 Brook") would be welcome on the commission.
• Outreach approaches: Chair Becca asked how members had heard about the youth commission; ideas included attending SGA meetings, school visits, flyers, and social media. Staff reported that the Public Information Office (PIO) denied a request. Staff noted that school visits during lunch are difficult because commissioners are in school too, so sending materials was discussed. Members also discussed school visits and possibly holding fairs or workshops in city-designated areas. A member recalled that summer outreach was hard after several commissioners graduated, leaving a small group; attending events as a commission shows students that commissioners are peers. A flyer for youth commission applications had been distributed.
• Youth town hall/forum: Members agreed on holding a youth town hall to gather student input before setting a work plan. One member suggested hosting it at a community center (transcribed as "Thomas Swim") and other centers, with input sheets on how to use the space. Staff proposed working with IT to create an online form for input.
• Education and services: A member asked whether the City of Rockville offers tutoring; Chelsea noted an after-school program run by an Education Commission member and observed that the city focuses on elementary-age programming, suggesting the commission consider middle and high school needs. A commissioner identified mental health and well-being as an important issue impacting youth in Rockville.
• Ballet company space needs: Chelsea raised the City of Rockville's public ballet company's space constraints-a small studio, difficulty storing supplies, and accommodating dancers at once. A member suggested inviting the ballet company to a commission meeting to share its views.
• Town center and advocacy: A member felt the town center concept would matter to youth; while the city does not own that space, the commission could advocate by raising it with the Mayor and Council (transcribed as "Marin Council"). A member also noted a ballot measure that was not approved by voters and discussed the possibility of it returning on a future ballot, which would involve speaking at a Mayor and Council community forum.
• Structure and deadlines: Chair Becca proposed consolidating ideas into a structured priority list and setting deadlines for SGA outreach; members agreed to make first contact with SGAs by the next meeting.
• Current opportunities: Another commission scheduled to present was not in attendance.

Key Outcomes

• Priorities set: 1) youth town hall (transcribed as "informal youth zone hall"); 2) outreach and building relationships with SGAs.
• Chair Becca to send an email with talking points.
• Members to make first contact with their schools' SGAs by the next meeting; an email to be sent to Wood (likely Wootton) and Rockville ("wrongville" in transcript) high schools.
• The commission will plan youth town hall logistics, promotion, and location, and gather input sheets on the space.
• Next meeting scheduling was discussed; at least five members are needed for quorum, with Monday/Tuesday cheer commitments and a possible January date considered.