02-25-20 Council and SBCSC Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING February 25, 2020 posed a few directing questions for the impending dialogue: How can our schools right-size their operations for the number of anticipated students in the coming years? How can we increase teacher pay to attract and retain talent?How can our schools direct more dollars into the classroom? How can our schools coexist with charters that the State Legislature will continue promoting?How can we turn around failing schools with empowerment zones and innovation schools?How can we achieve racial equity and discipline?He wants to restart the City-Schools Compact discussion with a blank slate and wants the bodies to commit to bold action, together. He wants every child in South Bend to be set up for success. Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings thanked all for being there. He believes this meeting is both historic and long overdue. He recognized the role both bodies play in ensuring the health and vitality of the community. He believes it is time to leverage South Bend's momentum and upward trajectory to benefit every resident pre-kindergarten through twelfth(12th)grade. He looks forward to continued collaboration among the community's leaders. He believes South Bend Schools are turning a page by building trust,creating transparency and advancing opportunities for every single student. He believes this meeting marks the start of a mutually beneficial partnership that will have a positive impact on every citizen's wellbeing. DISCUSSION ON IDEAS OF COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION The Council and the School Board had an informal discussion that ranged approximately forty- five (45) minutes where they discussed ideas of increasing cooperation and collaboration. Ideas ranged from sharing spaces and joining programming to looking at the larger picture to get to the root of these problems the schools and the community faces. STATEMENT OF DEFINITIVE ACTIONS ITEMS It was generally agreed upon that the two (2) entities must look toward fixing the root issues and not just treating the symptoms of the problems. It was concluded that the conversation must continue and must be elevated to address the root causes of the problems our community faces. CLOSING STATEMENTS BY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD Closing statements were given by one(1) School Board Member (Leslie Ann Wesley) and one (1) Council Member(Karen L. White.) PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Sixteen(16)citizens spoke to the Joint Council/Board on a range of issues related to teacher,parent and student experiences. Issues of racial equity, fair teacher pay and discipline were among the heart of the sentiments given from the citizens. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m. 2