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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-02 Jont Committee Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods 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 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 Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee December 3,2002 Page 3 the School Corporation is trying, however almost all school systems are being competitive in this area. Council Member Pfeifer then asked about Spanish. Dr. Raymond stated that Spanish will be required in Kennedy and LaSalle, and noted that it is cost prohibitive to offer Spanish at each school. Council President Kelly inquired about the reaction to having Tarkington as a traditional school where uniforms will be required. Dr. Raymond stated that the reaction has been"very positive". Council Member Kuspa stated that the success of the program will depend on the parents, and encouraged Dr. Raymond to continue to get parents behind the program. He added that he believes that Dr. Raymond is"doing a fabulous job". Dr. Raymond noted that the lack of respect by the students for teachers, authority figures and themselves is one of the key programs, a problem which has grown bigger over the past decade. Council Member White suggested increased parental involvement should be pursued and that the School Corporation should find ways to engage parents into the process since they are dealing with different sub-cultures. In response to a question raised by Council Member White with regard to safety, Dr. Raymond responded that the safety issue in the high schools is tough, however she has received a good response from Chief Fautz when called. Aspects of the student population are disrespectful and as a result security has been increased and additional counselors have been made. Adams is experiencing increased enrollment as well as dealing with construction. Dr. Raymond added that the"attitude of some of the young people is positively appalling", resulting in fights, food fights, unacceptable language and property damage. She is receiving daily reports on Adams High School, with new rules being implemented this week. Those who violate the rules will be expelled. She added that public education is a right but has responsibilities also. Teachers need support,however she noted that some teachers need additional sensitivity training. Council President Kelly stated that Dr. Raymond he believes is utilizing the right approach, noting that most"kids are great kids, and that using my way or the highway is the right approach". Linda Malone noted that she is from the north side of South Bend and attended the Clay Cluster meeting. The testing of children to remain in a program was the main concern raised. She stated that she believe it is unfair and would have an adverse effect on the student's self esteem. With regard to the situation at Adams High School, she stated that she was aware of a student seeing a gun. She contacted the principal and when she got no response then contacted Lyn Coleman. She did not get a response from the school until the next day. She inquired why a random metal detector could not be used. She hoped that a life would not have to be taken before such safety measures were implemented. She then requested the chain of command for reporting such instances. Dr. Raymond stated that the staff in place are the chair of command and that she could voice her concerns in person at the school. Linda Malone noted that she suggested that parents be allowed to volunteer in the schools as a Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee December 3, 2002 Page 4 "Moms and Pops on a Mission". Mr. Williams noted that his daughter works as a secretary in Adams and that the media has blown the situation "out of proportion". He added that he believes that the contract concept with parents is a good idea. Mr. Bush inquired about the hiring of minority teachers and asked how many minority teachers are currently teaching in the South Bend system. Dr. Raymond stated that the "School Corporation is doing their very best" however this is a difficult area. She noted that there are 17% minority teachers currently, with a higher percentage working as School Administrators. Dr. Raymond agreed with Council Member Pfeifer's suggestion to have all teachers trained in Spanish. Dr. Raymond added that she hoped the Council Members would help the School Corporation. She added that there "is a potential to create a very good school system which provides quality education". She noted that "we can do much better, noting that she is very much aware of the controversy surrounding this". She suggested that we should accept the problems and move on and work to support a program aimed at quality education. On Wednesday she will be in Indianapolis where the Superintendents of all school systems in Indiana will be in attendance. Council Member White encouraged Dr. Raymond to include the Common Council in the process so that there can be more opportunities for discussion. Ms. Ellison noted that anyone who did not receive any of the handouts could contact the Education Center for copies. There being no further business to come before the joint Committee meeting, Council Member Pfeifer thanked everyone for attending and then adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee Residential Neighborhoods Committee KCF:kmf Attachments