12-03-02 Jont Committee Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods

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grommtttlet Uport otnt tommitt't lattting of tfx 1th anti 10.0 lir *aUtv Qtommttte anb tb' Ittotbizntial littigbbottoobo tommttt The December 3, 2002 joint meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:38 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Kuspa and White; South Bend School Superintendent Dr. Joan M. Raymond, Mary Chris Adams, Ms. Ellison, George Adler, Larry Magliozzi, Maurice Williams, Linda Malone, Mr. Bush, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and other members of the public. Council Member Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the joint Committee meeting which was called to hear a presentation by the South Bend School Superintendent and its effect on our community. Dr. Joan M. Raymond, Superintendent of the South Bend Community School Corporation noted that for approximately two and one-half years the reorganization of instructional programs have been in the works. As part of the implementation of Plan Z, the School Corporation is now trying to keep everyone informed by letters to parents, newsletters, website information and community meetings. Dr. Raymond then made a power point presentation. She noted that Plan Z was amended in July 2002 after discussions with the U.S. Justice Department and then was approved by the U.S. District Court Judge for Northern Indiana. Because of the delays this Summer, the School Corporation is now on a"fast track". Dr. Raymond then reviewed the Implementation Areas. She noted that the bonds have been sold and that construction is underway. Student Assignments are underway. The State of Indiana requires a three (3) year plan for capital projects for public schools, with the following being approved: Plan Z(retrofitting and expansion construction) $ 18,866,091 Capital Projects (roofing,HAC, Interior maintenance) $ 31,898,991 Total: $ 50,765,082 Dr. Raymond noted that almost every school will benefit from the capital dollars approved. The value of the school property which constitutes the South Bend Community School Corporation is just under one (1) billion dollars. Construction began in September 2002 and will continue through August of 2004. Dr. Raymond then reviewed Program Development and provided three (3) handouts, namely the one-page handout entitled "Plan Z Informational Meetings" schedule for 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/16, and 12,17; a one-page handout entitled "Plan Z News Student Assignments" detailing "Clusters- Minority to Majority and Majority to Minority"; and a 26-page brochure entitled "Plan Z- Instructional Programs"(copies attached). Dr. Raymond then summarized the Notification Phase for students noting that over 20,000 letters have been sent to parents for each child. She explained the voluntary plan and controlled choice. A hot line has been established by the School Corporation to address questions also. Staff assignments will be made in March and April of 2003. Dr. Raymond emphasized that former LaSalle students will stay in the schools which they choice, and that their siblings will also be schooled in those same schools chosen. She noted that all of