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REGULAR MEETINGOCTOBER 8, 2007 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />This increase in size manifests itself with additional utility system and custodial costs of <br />approximately $3 million dollars, over the design life expectancy of a new building. This <br />is one of the many reasons we chose a smaller, more efficient new building for <br />Marquette. He urged the Council to vote no on this historic landmark designation for <br />Marquette. He stated that it is only then that they can proceed with the exciting plans to <br />build a new Marquette School to meet the educational needs of the students in the most <br />cost effective and efficient manner. <br /> <br />Dr. Patricia O’Connor, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, South Bend Community <br />School Corporation, advised that she is proud to announce that she is a product of the <br />South Bend Community School Corporation, and a graduate from John Adams High <br />School. She noted that after extensive parent and community involvement, a nine million <br />dollar federal grant was awarded for a Fine Arts magnet at Perley Primary Center and <br />Dickinson Intermediate Center, and a Montessori magnet at Marquette. She asked what <br />is Montessori? The Montessori program is built on the belief that intelligence is not rare. <br />That all children come into the world with a human potential that can best be reached in <br />an environment specially designed for children to exercise and challenge their learning <br />capabilities. The large open classroom is quite different from the traditional classroom <br />with 30 student seats, a teacher desk, and chalkboards. The Montessori classroom is <br />arranged in centers bursting with inviting materials displayed on open shelves the height <br />of the children (3-6 years in age.) The materials are arranged to provide maximum eye <br />appeal without clutter. The placement and sequence of materials allow children to find <br />precisely what they need whenever they wish. There is a vast range in the level of <br />curriculum on which the children are working. Children in the 3-6 year old cluster are <br />first taught individually with the teacher, encouraged to practice and repeat the activity <br />until mastery. Children are first taught, then encouraged, and finally expected to make <br />their own work choices during the day. In a Montessori classroom, 25 children are <br />working at their own pace individually on different lessons. There is a freedom of <br />movement which allows for social interaction. Older students serve as role models to the <br />younger children. It is important to note, and important for everyone to understand that <br />the purpose of this Magnet grant is to eliminate, reduce or prevent racial isolation. In <br />order to achieve the goals of the grant, it is imperative that they offer the best program in <br />the best facility. The opportunity to do that is now. They want the Marquette program to <br />be the best public Montessori in the state with accreditation from the American <br />Montessori Society. It is also important to note that the Magnet grant does not fund <br />transportation. Because parents will be required to provide transportation, it is imperative <br />for them to know we have the best facility and program available. She stated that they <br />are operating under a consent degree intended to correct racial imbalance. The purpose <br />of the magnet is to eliminate, reduce, or prevent racial isolation. Marquette is currently <br />out of compliance. A new Marquette designed specifically for the Montessori program <br />will eliminate racial isolation at Marquette and create the optimal condition for success. <br />The School Board has made the tough and not always popular choices for the benefit of <br />the students. A new Marquette, which will allow all students living within the Marquette <br />boundaries to attend, is a strong commitment to the neighborhood, and a community that <br />has been waiting for a long time. It is also a commitment to racial equity. The <br />Montessori program offers developmentally appropriate learning in a multi-age <br />classroom. Education is delivered in a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. Children <br />from all walks of life learn to be independent learners and to develop a true love of <br />learning. A new Marquette can be designed to create the environment necessary for the <br />multi-age classroom. The personalized curriculum can be uniquely delivered in <br />developmentally appropriate work stations. The new Marquette will have classroom <br />environments which can be carefully planned and prepared by teachers. The new <br />Marquette will have classrooms which are designed as a learning laboratory where the <br />children are free to explore and discover as soon as they choose their work. The <br />th <br />Montessori program celebrates its 100 birthday this year so obviously it has been in <br />some older buildings. But now they have the opportunity to choose the best facility for <br />this uniquely structured program. The best choice for the students, families and <br />community is a compelling exciting Montessori program in a new Marquette which will <br />create pride and racial equity in Marquette School. The South Bend Community School <br />Corporation has the best interests of its children at heart and hopes that the Council will <br />support these interests. She urged the Council to vote “no.” <br /> <br /> 15 <br /> <br />