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

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Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee December 3, 2002 Page 2 this information, including all forms for downloading, etc. is available on the School Corporation's website. Dr. Raymond also noted that the School Corporation is utilizing terminology from the U.S. District Court's Consent Decree which references `Blacks" and "Non- Blacks". Dr. Raymond explained that Kennedy Primary Academy will have admission criteria. Tarkington will be a traditional school where uniforms will be required. A virtual tour will soon be on the website of the LaSalle Academy. Newsletters and Instructional Programs will also be used to get the word out about the Implementation of Plan Z. Mr. Maurice Williams, President of the Rum Village Neighborhood Association, noted that that area of the city is growing and he voiced concern of the lack of programs in that area. Dr. Raymond stated that the proposed instructional programs are based on current populations which are currently in compliance. Capacity and racial compliance are two(2) factors which may be used to turn people away. In response to a question raised by Council Member White, Dr. Raymond stated that there are approximately 22,300 students in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Council Member White noted that building trust and having good presentations about the academic goals of the plan will be important to its overall success. Dr. Raymond noted that staff development and training will be critical to the program also. She noted that the GQE's will be released next Monday. The high schools need a lot of attention. She noted that academy standards will have to be maintained for them to be magnets and integral parts of the overall educational program. She added that the"curriculums will be profound". Council President Kelly stated that the program is very positive. Although there will be massive changes there will be sound staff development. Mr. Williams inquired about the"kids who will be left behind"and not attending an academy. Dr. Raymond stated that "no child will be left behind" since their needs will be met with a very strong curriculum. She cited the example of having a student for four (4) years (grades 5-8) whereby every teacher and staff person would know each child. Council Member Pfeifer inquired why uniforms would be required at Tarkington which is to be a traditional school. Dr. Raymond stated that uniforms are a component of a traditional school, since they reflect"going back to the basics". Parents are desiring more structure, and therefore parents must agree by signing a contract to attend parent/teacher conferences, helping with homework, etc. Council Member Pfeifer inquired "how the school corporation will determine its success". Dr. Raymond stated that evaluations are also a component part of the program. Evaluations will be ongoing and a master data base will be developed for each student. Council Member Pfeifer asked about the recruitment of teachers of color. Dr. Raymond stated that