08-16-10 Community Relations Committee

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OCOMMUNITY 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. 1; :Ayg d, rperson Co mmittee