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01-14-02 Council Meeting Minutes
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01-14-02 Council Meeting Minutes
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City Council - City Clerk
City Council - Document Type
Council Mtg Minutes
City Counci - Date
1/14/2002
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REGULAR MEETING <br />JANUARY 14, 2002 <br />children go to school with diversity from the very beginning they have the opportunity to make their <br />own decisions. She noted that that is why she is opposed to anything that would lead back to <br />segregation. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she does not understand the justification for the <br />closing of LaSalle High School and not Clay High School or Washington High School or some of <br />the other schools. She noted that she lives on the westside of South Bend and knows that they have <br />an undeserved bad reputation. When anything bad happens west of Michigan Street the west side <br />and LaSalle High School unfairly get a bad reputation. Given that, if LaSalle High School is closed <br />as a high school and made into a math/science academy will people send their children there. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer stated that her concern about Plan Z or any plan is that the school <br />corporation is moving too fast and she would encourage the South Bend School Board to heal its bad <br />relationship with the community. <br />In response to individuals who stated that they believe that the input of other elected officials is <br />important, Councilmember Varner pointed out that in the past, when members of this Council tried <br />to provide some input to the school corporation that they believed was appropriate they were pretty <br />much told, don't call us, we'll call you. Councilmember Varner stated that he believes there are a <br />lot of people who would have a lot of things to say. He, for one, recently appeared on a radio <br />program with individuals who were opposed to Plan Z. He noted that he is not sure where he stands <br />on this issue but no one will listen unless they are convinced that they ought to listen. He further <br />noted that the Council, at this time, does not have a direct influence, contact or responsibility to the <br />school corporation. Councilmember Varner stated that if the members of the community would like <br />the Council's public input, support or action, the Council has to know that the school corporation <br />is interested in what they have to say. <br />Councilmember White advised that education has been an equalizer in our society, especially for <br />African Americans and people of color. The education issues facing our community are of the <br />utmost importance and she remains committed to quality education for all children without <br />segregation. She stated that Plan Z, in its current form, does not present the best opportunities or <br />options for quality education for all children. She notes this lack particularly at the primary levels. <br />It is a fact that approximately twelve (12) of eighteen (18) primary centers will be out of racial <br />balance. This portion of Plan Z has resulted in a sense that the community will be returning to <br />conditions that existed prior to 1981 which were unacceptable and remain unacceptable. Clearly the <br />academic and social development of our students and, especially students of color, is in crisis. The <br />performance gap between white students and students of color is too large and graduation rates of <br />students continue to be a major area of concern. The current Plan Z offers no plans nor measurable <br />outcomes as to how these critical needs will be met as well as evaluated. Additionally, <br />Councilmember White noted that there is a lack of trust and communication that these particular <br />issues will be addressed in the final plan. She noted that portions of Plan Z, if implemented <br />properly, are encouraging. For example, the proposed science and math academy is exciting even <br />though the location of the academy and how students will be selected have not been articulated. <br />Also, the rational as to why LaSalle High School was identified as the school which will house the <br />science and math academy needs further discussion. Councilmember White questioned when the <br />school corporation made the decision that four (4) high schools were needed versus five (5) and at <br />what point did the community have any input in that decision making process. Councilmember <br />White stated that the overall development of what the educational system should be for this <br />community must be hastened and must include all stake holders as equal partners in decision <br />making. A vehicle for change must be developed where all agree and strive to create a quality public <br />education system in the community. Anything less is unwelcome and unacceptable. <br />Councilmember Kelly advised that it was stated that no one from the Council has made any public <br />comments with regard to the school redistricting plan and he would like to point out that several <br />Councilmembers have spoken to the issue. He noted that he recently appeared on a radio program <br />and stated that he did favor Plan Z providing that some changes can be made so that the consent <br />decree is upheld in the lower level schools. Councilmember Kelly stated that it is his personal view <br />-12- <br />
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