10-09-06 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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OctoF~er 9, 2006 ]nforrnal Meeting of the SBCC Page 2 They are traveling to Gary, Indiana this evening, and are also hoping to begin a program at 55t~' and GarField in the City of Chicago. Council President Rouse noted that he read about their organization in the South Bend Tribune and then met with their staff, He is excited to hear that within the next six (6) months that The Crossings may have three (3) schools located in South Bend. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. Staley noted that there is a required number of days which students must attend; and they also have leadership training in the summer and field trips for their students. They do not receive funding like charter schools do because of their belief systems. They strongly believe that "changing apes heart changes their behavior" Mr. Staley noted that they are also pursuing post-secondary levels and hope to partner with Ivy Tech and IU South bend. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Staley noted that they have twenty-two {22} teachers. They use aself--paced curriculum; and many special teachers are paid by the hour for those specialized areas. He noted that a student that goes through the South Bend Community School Corporation has $12,000 spent per pupil, where their program is significantly less. Mr. Staley noted that Cliff Miller is a former company president in Elkhart County, Rob Brown worked with the Elkhart YMCA, and Ed Keifer is their media person. In response to a question from Dr. Varner it was noted that their students have a 95% attendance rate. Mr. Staley invited the Council to came and visit their locations, noting that they have had no student fights since the program began. Council President Rouse thanked all of The Crossinig representatives for sharing information about their very valuable program and wished them continued success, especially in South Bend. There being no further business to come before the Council, President Rouse adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Timothy A. Rouse, Council President South Bend Common Council Attachment