Title
The School Community Relations Committee meeting minutes of October 16, 2015.
Body
- MEETING AGENDA -
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:30am
II. ROLL CALL
All members were present except Ruth Martinez, who had an excused absence.
III. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Nan moved to approve the minutes from July and September. Andria seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mission Statement Review & Adoption
Nan moved to approve the mission statement as written. Andria seconded the motion. The mission statement was approved unanimously. The Committee’s mission statement is:
“To provide oversight of the City’s educational landscape; making sure the City is fulfilling its education commitments, and assuring that the needs of students and families are being adequately served. To assist and advise the City of Coral Gables’ elected leaders in their efforts to ensure excellent educational options and high performing schools within the City, essential elements to the quality of life for City residents."
V. SCRC Committee Business
A. 2016 Priorities & Scope
Nan moved to approve the priorities and scope as suggested by the Chair. Aileen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. School improvement projects
Board members provided short updates on their respective initiatives
1. “City Beautiful” Schools Initiative-Aileen Ortega
Aileen contacted the garden club regarding beautification efforts at schools and received positive feedback. She also discussed some thoughts with Iraida during the meeting, who encouraged the Committee to work with her office to identify specific projects.
2. “Community Schools” Project- Nan Markowitz
A joint use agreement was discussed. The City can put one in place with the School District so the community can have use of fields, tracks, buildings and other school facilities during off hours. This process will likely be pursued once MDCPS staff provides information as to form and process.
3. Financial Literacy Initiative -David Bianchi
David is taking a “top down” approach to get his book, “Blue Chip Kids”, into the hands of students. He donated several hundred copies to the school district free of charge and has been making significant progress.
4. Mentorship/Service Programs- Andrea Handley
MDCPS staff was very interested in partnering with the Committee to facilitate internship opportunities for students.
5. Coral Gables History Tours- Ruth Martinez
School board staff seemed interested in working with the City to facilitate field trips for 4th and 5th graders to local historical sites.
6. Community Education Initiatives- Sam Joseph, Chair
Sam stated that he believes this initiative to be the Committee’s most important mandate. He informed MDCPS staff that the Committee welcomes ideas on how it can help educate and inform the community on MDCPS issues.
7. Special Needs Services/Programming Initiative
Sam discussed the need for local, accessible school services for special needs students. He also briefed the Committee on his discussions with the University of Miami’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders (UM CARD) and their willingness to host a future meeting.
VI. MDCPS REPORT
MDCPS staff addressed pre-submitted questions about school populations, controlled choice, physical conditions of schools and GOB capital projects funding. More information will be provided on bus routes impacted by controlled choice.
VII. DISCUSSION
Open discussion, questions and answers, and input from community members during public hearing section.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:30am
Next Meeting:
Next meeting will be on November 20th at City Hall.