HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-10 Community Relations CommitteeOCOMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE 8-16-10
The August 16, 2010 meeting of the Community Relations Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. at 3:30
p.m., in the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South
Bend, Indiana
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Karen White, Ann Puzzello
Other Council Present: Tim Rouse
Others Present: Rita Kopala, Carol Davis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
Lauren Smock-Randall, George Azar, Rene' Graef
Agenda: Presentation SBCSC - New Alternative High School
George Azar, Principal
This meeting was called by Chairperson Henry Davis in his capacity as Chair of the Community
Relations Committee to foster communication with the South Bend Community School Corp.
More specifically this meeting was called to give the SBCSC an opportunity to explain the new
alternative high school. Having secured a federal grant for $2.5 million dollars for offering a
degree alternative to the more traditional high school experience.
Chairperson Henry Davis called upon George Azar, Principal of the new school to further explain.
Azar said the school would be in the Eggleston School. The $2.5 million grant has allowed the
purchase of equipment and hire staff. This alternative high school would have a new culture and
new curriculum in a non-traditional setting. It would, for the student require self-motivation and
self-direction for success.
Following Azar was Rene' Graef from a company called Diploma+. Having 29 successful
alternative schools around the country, Diploma+ sets up a program based upon student
involvement and civic engagement. A performance bases system not based on "seat-time", but
competence. The company was chosen by the SBCSC based on their proven track record of
success since 2003. By data collection they will identify and track the progress of students
focusing on "high growth" career areas.
Chairperson Henry Davis opened the meeting for questions. Councilmember Puzzello asked, if
computers would be available. Azar said each student would engage in on-line projects and be
measured by on-line testing. Councilmember's White and Oliver Davis asked about "Core 40"
classes and teacher selection. Councilmember Rouse followed-up on the importance of Core 40.
Councilmember White asked Mr. Azar to supply the Council with a copy of the demographics of
the student population. Thanking everyone for their interest, Chairperson Henry Davis adjourned
the informational session at 4:00 p.m.
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