01-14-02 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 14, 2002 children go to school with diversity from the very beginning they have the opportunity to make their own decisions. She noted that that is why she is opposed to anything that would lead back to segregation. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she does not understand the justification for the closing of LaSalle High School and not Clay High School or Washington High School or some of the other schools. She noted that she lives on the westside of South Bend and knows that they have an undeserved bad reputation. When anything bad happens west of Michigan Street the west side and LaSalle High School unfairly get a bad reputation. Given that, if LaSalle High School is closed as a high school and made into a math/science academy will people send their children there. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that her concern about Plan Z or any plan is that the school corporation is moving too fast and she would encourage the South Bend School Board to heal its bad relationship with the community. In response to individuals who stated that they believe that the input of other elected officials is important, Councilmember Varner pointed out that in the past, when members of this Council tried to provide some input to the school corporation that they believed was appropriate they were pretty much told, don't call us, we'll call you. Councilmember Varner stated that he believes there are a lot of people who would have a lot of things to say. He, for one, recently appeared on a radio program with individuals who were opposed to Plan Z. He noted that he is not sure where he stands on this issue but no one will listen unless they are convinced that they ought to listen. He further noted that the Council, at this time, does not have a direct influence, contact or responsibility to the school corporation. Councilmember Varner stated that if the members of the community would like the Council's public input, support or action, the Council has to know that the school corporation is interested in what they have to say. Councilmember White advised that education has been an equalizer in our society, especially for African Americans and people of color. The education issues facing our community are of the utmost importance and she remains committed to quality education for all children without segregation. She stated that Plan Z, in its current form, does not present the best opportunities or options for quality education for all children. She notes this lack particularly at the primary levels. It is a fact that approximately twelve (12) of eighteen (18) primary centers will be out of racial balance. This portion of Plan Z has resulted in a sense that the community will be returning to conditions that existed prior to 1981 which were unacceptable and remain unacceptable. Clearly the academic and social development of our students and, especially students of color, is in crisis. The performance gap between white students and students of color is too large and graduation rates of students continue to be a major area of concern. The current Plan Z offers no plans nor measurable outcomes as to how these critical needs will be met as well as evaluated. Additionally, Councilmember White noted that there is a lack of trust and communication that these particular issues will be addressed in the final plan. She noted that portions of Plan Z, if implemented properly, are encouraging. For example, the proposed science and math academy is exciting even though the location of the academy and how students will be selected have not been articulated. Also, the rational as to why LaSalle High School was identified as the school which will house the science and math academy needs further discussion. Councilmember White questioned when the school corporation made the decision that four (4) high schools were needed versus five (5) and at what point did the community have any input in that decision making process. Councilmember White stated that the overall development of what the educational system should be for this community must be hastened and must include all stake holders as equal partners in decision making. A vehicle for change must be developed where all agree and strive to create a quality public education system in the community. Anything less is unwelcome and unacceptable. Councilmember Kelly advised that it was stated that no one from the Council has made any public comments with regard to the school redistricting plan and he would like to point out that several Councilmembers have spoken to the issue. He noted that he recently appeared on a radio program and stated that he did favor Plan Z providing that some changes can be made so that the consent decree is upheld in the lower level schools. Councilmember Kelly stated that it is his personal view -12-