A report given Wednesday to the Panther Valley School Board shows improvements in family stability for a two-year period.

The report, presented by United Way officials, showed food access for families increased 108 percent while families receiving housing supports rose 62 percent.

It was detailed by Jill Pereira, vice president of impact and innovation of United Way and Emma Hope, the United Way’s Community School Coordinator.

Statistics are for the school yeas of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

Hope said one reason for the improvements is because there are partners, including Keel Infrastructure.

An accompanying report from Keel said, “Keel Infrastructure’s support helped Panther Valley School District meet the essential needs of more than 1,400 families throughout the school year.”

This support included nonperishable food items, such as macaroni and cheese and soup during winter break, hats and gloves in January, and hygiene supplies, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and soap.

Hope said two physical projects undertaken were improvements to the Elementary School playground, which doubled it in size and improving the library in the Elementary School.

The report by Pereira indicated the Panther Valley Elementary School has 558 students.

Statistics she cited are:

• Families increased food access: 250 in all elementary grades in 2023-2024 and 521 the following school year, a 108 percent increase.

• Students accessed dental and vision care: 75 in all elementary grades in 2023-2024; 125 students in the following year, a 67 percent increase.

• Families receiving housing support: 42 in all elementary grades in 2023-2024; 68 the following year, a 62 percent increase.

• Attendance at family events: 125 in all elementary grades in 2023-2024; 146 the following year, a 17 percent increase.

• Regular student attendance: 77 percent in all elementary grades in the 2023-2024 school year; 82 percent the following year.

• Students engaged in summer learning: 41 in all elementary grades in the 2023-2024 school year; 128 (more than tripled) in the following year.

There were 630 volunteer hours valued at over $20,034, said Pereira, and $9,050 of in-kind donations.