A local after-school program serving Lorain students was at the center of public comment during a recent Lorain City Schools Board of Education meeting, as a coach and students raised concerns about changes made during the current season.
Talia Mena, a coach with the “Girls on the Run” program, told board members the program was asked to be cut in the middle of its current season, just weeks before a scheduled 5K event.
However, Mena clarified that the program was not immediately shut down, but instead reduced and reclassified, effectively changing what it is currently able to offer students.
“This decision came when we were just four weeks away from our 5K,” Mena said during public comment.
According to her remarks, the program is now being treated as a standard after-school activity, rather than continuing in its original form with the same level of support and structure.
Mena also told the board that after-school programs like this one are not expected to be considered for the 2026–2027 school year, raising additional concerns about its long-term future.
During her comments, she emphasized the impact the program has had on students locally and across the region.
“This season alone, this program has provided scholarships to over 500 girls across 62 locations in Northeast Ohio,” Mena said, adding that participants also received support such as shoes and transportation.
She described the program as more than just an activity, calling it a consistent space for students to build confidence, manage emotions, and develop relationships.
“These programs provide a safe and consistent space when they need it most,” she said.
Mena asked the board to allow the program to continue operating in its current space for the final four weeks of the season, so students could complete what they started.
Following her remarks, a student participant also addressed the board, describing what the program has meant to her.
“Girls on the Run teaches us how to build confidence and believe in ourselves,” the student said. “We are more than runners. We are brave, kind, and strong.”
The student added that the program helps participants feel “safe, seen, and valued,” while teaching leadership and decision-making skills.
The concerns come as Lorain City Schools continues to face significant financial challenges, with district officials already implementing multiple cost-cutting measures.
Recent discussions have included staff reductions, program cuts, and operational changes, with officials warning that millions in additional reductions could be needed if a proposed levy fails, potentially impacting more programs and services across the district.
At the conclusion of public comment, district leadership indicated they would need to review the concerns further before providing a detailed response.
“We’ll gather all the answers to the questions that were asked and make sure we get them back out,” a district official said during the meeting, noting that responses are typically shared through the district’s website.
No immediate action was taken during the meeting regarding the program.
