Minutes of the August 13^th meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: Mary Adams, John Boutet, John Laing, Sarah Yaworski

Guests: Mary Dan Cooper, LaShay Harris, Diane Watkins

Issue of disruptive Students from Charter School

The 19thWCA office received a message concerning bad behavior by students at the charter school on Brooks, and a lack of response from the school administrator. LaShay took the action item to follow-up with the resident and the school if necessary.

School 16 renovation

At a recent RCSD meeting, John Boutet was approached by Superintendant Vargas. He asked us to set up a meeting with him on the renovation plan for School 16. The FMP has passed the legislature but has not been signed by the governor so the start time for the project is not imminent but we should be prepared to provide community input. I have contacted the superintendent’s office and we are working to schedule an evening meeting. I will let you know as soon as it is scheduled. Our set of requirements for the renovated building were flexed off the survey that was conducted and are listed below:

• A community school
• Common area that could be available for community meetings/events
• PreK – 6
• Health and wellness center – at least expand nurse’s space
• Social services
• Classrooms for art, music and science
• Space for volunteers to work 1:1 with students
• Cafeteria/kitchen upgrades
• AC
• ADA compliant
• Students to be drawn from the neighborhood

We also discussed whether or not to include Vision Quest in the discussion with Vargas. Although the team developing Vision Quest is enthusiastic and hard working, members raised concern on the selection process for students and the management processes associated with a teacher/parent/community member committees. We are assuming that the first meeting will be about the process to be followed to provide community input. If it is to discuss specifics on the building condition and plan, then Tom Keysa should be involved.

Minutes submitted by John Laing

Next Meeting Wednesday, September 10^th at 7 pm in the 19^th ward association office.