Julie Hadden, policy representative for the South Whidbey School District board of directors, announced her intent to attend regular meetings of the Island County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in order to help South End schools.

The coalition was formed in June, 2014 in response to an increase in substance abuse and crimes potentially related to substance abuse in Island County and surrounding areas.

The group meets from 1-2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Island County Commissioners Hearing Room in Coupeville.

Meetings are open to the public and members include citizens, parents, business owners, county leaders, prevention specialists and several others.

At April’s school board business meeting, Hadden told fellow board members that she attended the April 22 coalition meeting.

In an email to The Record, Hadden wrote that she feels it is important for the South Whidbey School District to be represented at these meetings in order to bring back information and support services that might be useful to staff and students.

At the school board meeting, Hadden added that she would eventually like to take a student representative along with her, though a student has not yet been appointed.

Coalition chairman Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy is expected to attend the May 13 school board workshop along with Commissioner Helen Price Johnson.

Hadden said McCarthy and Price Johnson will discuss the intent and progress of the coalition.