Minutes of the February 11^th, 2015 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: John Boutet, John Laing, Sarah Yaworski

Approval of January minutes

Approved

Spelling Bee update

Activities are on schedule. The fraternity brothers are working with school 16 students on Thursday afternoons as well as every other Saturday morning at the Arnett library. School 19 will be holding their internal competition after winter break.

Volunteer status

The MOA between the school district and 19thWCA has been signed, and allows us to recruit and place volunteers in Schools 16, 29 and 44. There was no information on progress for MOA’s from other organizations that had been part of FREE.

Schools 16 and 44 status/activities

There is some progress on the FMP implementation. A district wide committee with representation from the district and the city will be established. There may be some delay due to the resignation of John King since it will need approval from the state department of Education. Following that there will be a school 16 committee, put together by the principal with school and community representation. We need to get parents involved to provide input.

The present plan for school 44 is a phase out that would have no preK through first grade at 44 next year. This would leave the 19^th ward with only school 29 having preK and K within our boundaries (note that school 10 is a city-wide draw). In order to foster a neighborhood school, and to provide continuity for the 50 children presently in preK at 44, we need to protest that decision. John and John have written to the board members but having had any responses as yet. Sarah’s letter is sent out separately.

New Business

Next Meeting Wednesday, March 11^th at 7 pm in the 19^th ward association office.