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r <br /> Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council <br /> October 4, 2000 <br /> Page 2 <br /> 3. Redistricting: Dr. Raymond noted that she has always been a staunch advocate of civil <br /> rights and believes that neighborhood schools should be discussed and <br /> considered under the applicable legal guidelines. <br /> 4. Communication: <br /> Dr. Raymond recommended that communication within the school <br /> corporation and throughout the community be improved, citing examples <br /> with the news media seeking information and appropriate responses. <br /> 5: Administration Infra-Structure: <br /> Improved internal procedures and data retrieval need to be developed to <br /> further professionalize the overall operation of the school corporation. Dr. <br /> Raymond cited examples of access to basic information on students, <br /> teachers, administrators and staff which needs to be standardized. <br /> 6. Concerns of Public Education in General: <br /> Dr. Raymond noted that in her twenty-two year career as a School <br /> Superintendent in several different school systems, that she has a growing concern of the direction <br /> of public education. She voiced concern with regard to the additional roles and burdens placed on <br /> the public education system by society. She noted that the South Bend Community School <br /> Corporation averages 175 expulsions per year which are mostly drug-related. She stated that she <br /> has never been in a school system with such a high rate. <br /> Dr. Raymond suggested that the school corporation, elected and appointed <br /> public officials and concerned citizens need to come together as a community with regard to <br /> developing alternatives to expelling students. She stressed that she is open to suggestions and <br /> believes that this is one example of a growing community problem. <br /> General discussion then took place on several topics including but not <br /> limited to applicable state legislation governing public education; alternative career centers; bi- <br /> lingual programs; school corporations creating partnerships with private industry for additional <br /> educational opportunities;ratings of the school system by the realtors; funding and grants;etc. <br /> Dr. Raymond thanked the Council for the opportunity to meet and hoped <br /> that she would be invited back to continue discussions affecting the community. <br /> There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at <br /> 7:05 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Council Member James Aranowski <br /> Vice-President <br /> KCF:kmf <br /> Attachment <br />