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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-2000 Minutes MINUTES MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND SAN BERNARDINO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION JOINT ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2000 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 777 NORTH "F" STREET SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA This is the time and place set for a joint adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education at a joint regular meeting held at 8:04 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2000, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. The City Clerk has caused to be posted the order of adjournment of said meeting held on Monday, December 4, 2000, and has on file in the Office of the City Clerk an affidavit of said posting together with a copy of said order which was posted at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 7, 2000, in a conspicuous place on the bulletin board of the place at which said meeting was held. CALL TO ORDER At 5:48 p.m., the joint adjourned regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education was called to order by Mr. DamlY Tillman, President of the Board of Education, in the Community Room of the Board of Education Building, 777 North "F" Street, San Bernardino, California. City of San Bernardino ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by City Clerk Clark with the following being present: Mayor Valles; Council Members Estrada, Lien, Schnetz, Suarez, Anderson, McCammack; City Attorney Penman, City Clerk Clark, City Administrator Wilson. Absent: Council Member McGinnis. 1 12/11/2000 Also present: Jorge Carlos, Executive Assistant to the Council; Linda Hartzel, Deputy City Clerk; Jolena Barnes, Deputy City Attorney. Board of Education ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by Administrative Assistant Owens with the following being present: Board President Mr. DamlY Tillman, Board Vice President Mr. James Marinis, Board Members Dr. Marlin Brown, Mr. Antonio Dupre, Mrs. Lynda Savage, Dr. Elsa Valdez, and Mr. Louis Yeager. Also present: Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent; Mr. David Bail, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services; Mr. Narciso Cardona, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services; Dr. Harold Vollkommer, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources; Mrs. Judy White, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services; Dr. Michael Karprnan, Assistant to the Superintendent; Mrs. Barbara Kidd, Communications Director; Mr. Gary Underwood, School Police Chief; Mr. Mike Perez, Facilities Director. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Gil Navarro, Chairman of the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) of San Bernardino. PUBLIC COMMENTS M. Delgado, MAPA Educational Director, 1131 West 14th Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke regarding safe sidewalks on 14th Street, and he asked for a commitment that sidewalks would be installed near Roosevelt School. Gil Navarro, Chairman, MAPA, 1440 West Sixth Street, San Bernardino, CA, spoke regarding Safe Routes in the City of Highland; particularly, near Monterey and Curtis Schools which are located in the City of San Bernardino. He stated that Safe Routes is a funded program available for sidewalks going to our schools, and he advocated some type of legislative committee consisting of representatives from the City of Highland, City of San Bernardino, and County of San Bernardino to take the Safe Routes issue seriously and to work collaboratively to provide the sidewalks needed to our schools. Mayor Valles noted that approxinlately 5,000 children have been killed on their way to school, and this is a very timely topic considering that Senator Soto last year introduced a bill regarding Safe Routes to Schools. The senator has recently submitted the reauthorization for the funding of this bill. The City will be working with the School District to pursue the additional funding for the Safe Routes to Schools. 2 12/11/2000 INTRODUCTIONS At this time, Board President Tillman introduced members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Delgado introduced School District staff members, followed by Mayor Valles' introduction of the Common Council and other City staff in attendance. TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTEREST DISCUSSED BY THE CITY & THE SCHOOL DISTRICT Mayor Valles noted that in addition to the items on the School District agenda, she would like to briefly discuss image, marketing, etc., as a follow-up to the previous meeting between the City and the School District. Pedestrian Safety (1) Mayor Valles noted that Safe Routes to School is a matter of real concern in light of the recent death of some of our school children. She advised that Senator Soto is aware of the problem, and the City is in a position to assist in any way possible to make sure that not one additional child is hurt or injured. Board President Tillman advised that there is a real concern with traffic that comes down Base Line around the new high school. It was noted that there is a traffic light at Base Line and Medical Center Drive and at Base Line and California; however, the District feels it is imperative to have a traffic light or flashing yellow light around Pennsylvania. Mayor Valles advised that the City has conducted a traffic study in that area and recognizes how critical this matter is. Board Member Dupre noted that the District did submit a request for Safe Routes to School monies; however, only one school in Fontana received funding. He wondered what happened to the remainder of the money, and Mayor Valles advised that we must be quicker and more aggressive in applying for these funds. Council Member McCammack noted that the council members receive phone calls from their constituents on a regular basis regarding Safe Routes to School, as they know the City has people who will listen and who will conduct traffic studies, etc. However, she did not know whether the City has a proper or formal way of communicating this information to the School Board. 3 12/1112000 School Police - Collaboration (6 & 4) Gary Underwood, School Police Chief, advised that there is a good working relationship between City police and School District police, which is getting better all the time. He stated that the contract to use the City's shooting range is working very well, as is the war against taggers. He noted that significant inroads have been made in this area and expressed hope that the City would continue its program against taggers. He stated that there is one area where they really need the City's help and that is in the area of applying for grants. He pointed out that the City has an excellent reputation for seeking and obtaining grants, and the District would like nothing better than to collaborate with the City in seeking and sharing some of that money. Mr. Underwood advised that the District Police Department normally has 26 authorized police officers, and will be expanding to approximately 41 officers. He stated that as small as they are, they do more adul1-juvenile arrests than most major cities in the County. It was noted that the District Police Department has a $6 million budget and is expending a lot of money, which in turn helps to save the City money. Board Member Valdez inquired whether there were any plans to include in this collaborative effort any kind of training that goes beyond just going to the shooting range. She stated that she would like to see the schools safe, but it is imperative that we get out into the community so that we can head off a lot of these problems before they occur--that we have a social responsibility to make sure the community is involved in these efforts. Mr. Underwood noted that there is no program with the City for doing this; however, they currently work with the County welfare workers and the school psychologists in addressing some of the problems they encounter. Council Member McCammack advised that some community policing efforts are going on with the City's Task Force, which is working with several different neighborhoods that have been targeted for community betterment as a whole; and Mr. Underwood advised that the school police also go out and meet with various neighborhood groups. Mayor Valles stated that if she understood Dr. Valdez correctly, we need to do more than to just arrest these kids--we need to provide proactive measures. She pointed out that although we have made progress with establishing the after-school programs, we need to reach out to the parents of the kids who are the problems. The Mayor suggested that City Schools, in conjunction with whatever the City can do, organize parent groups (in conjunction with the after-school programs) focusing first on the parents of those students in the middle schools. She stated that the police chiefs could 4 12/11/2000 help in identifying those areas with the most graffiti and the most problems, adding that she would be more than willing to speak with those parents. Mayor Valles stated that she would ask Linda Jenkins of the Mayor's Office to be the City's liaison for this project. Dr. Delgado stated that initially he would like to be the contact person for the School District--that Ms. Jenkins could contact him at 381-1240. It was noted that the Teachers Association has some grant money that they would like to contribute toward efforts aimed at public involvement, which could be used for setting up meetings, renting rooms, etc. City Attorney Penman advised that the City has experienced some real successes in working with the School District, including the work done in conjunction with San Bernardino High School to shut down a nearby narcotics house. He stated that San Bernardino High School is the only school they have really worked with directly on this; however, if there are other schools with drug houses located nearby, the City can certainly do more. He also commented on the relationship between the school police and the City's Code Enforcement personnel, who invariably run into young people of school age who are not in school. He stated that it has become commonplace for Code Enforcement to call the school police, who come out and ascertain whether the kids are enrolled and, if so, where, and then get them back to school. Council Member McCammack stated that former Councilwoman Norine Miller had worked very closely with Emmerton Elementary School in a program to keep the family involved, just as Mayor Valles was suggesting. She stated that she has taken over where Mrs. Miller left off, and the new principal, Mrs. Johnson, has managed to keep this collaborative program alive. COUNCIL MEMBER SUAREZ EXCUSED At 6:28 p.m., Council Member Suarez left the Council meeting. After-School Programs (3) Board Member Dupre explained that although Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Judy White was the principal contact regarding the after-school programs, he had become involved with the Mayor in expanding these programs. He advised that there are now programs in all of the middle schools and 15 of the elementary schools. Mr. Dupre also provided information on the CAPS Program, noting that the County, City, and School District, as well as other agencies such as the University, had all come together, pooled their money, and gone after various grants. They were successful in obtaining a CAPS Grant (for elementary schools) and a 21" Century Grant (for middle schools), and the programs are working very well. He stated he hoped we would be able to collaboratively work together again and not let these programs die. 5 12/11/2000 Assistant Superintendent White thanked Mayor Valles for her vision, which led to implementation of the programs at the middle schools. She advised, however, that the grant will expire in December 200 I; and the state is wanting the cities to sustain themselves. Board Member Lynda Savage advised that she was on the Mayor's Youth Task Force for about eight years, and approximately two years ago they finally got a little money. She thanked everyone who made this program successful, stating that no one wants to see this money go away. She noted that there was such a change when the two agencies started working together. Mr. Cardona noted that one of the challenges is that there needs to be a match of the CAPS money in order to support a grant. It was noted that maybe by lobbying together the City/School District could put pressure on Sacramento and our legislators for money which is needed for programs at the middle schools. It was also noted that it is important to maintain a natural dialogue between the two agencies in order to make sure that we are always totally together. Mrs. White noted that the City contributed $50,000 and the School District contributed $150,000 for homework centers in the city. This was a grass roots effort to identify homework centers in our city where students can come after school, and currently there is a team made up of community members and District employees who are reviewing the RFP for establishing these centers. She added that there are also other community groups who want to support this effort, and the District is currently anticipating the establishment of ten centers. Also, the Arrowhead Credit Union has taken a very prominent role in helping with technology and internet capabilities. Ima~e (7) Board Member Lynda Savage noted that the Mayor and Council, when discussing the image of San Bernardino, will be glad to know that test scores have gone up this year--that across the county, San Bernardino brought their scores up more than any other district. Mayor Valles commended Dr. Delgado for all of his efforts. She pointed out that they both served on the Mayor's Educational Roundtable, where they have addressed these issues. She stated that it is really irritating when people badmouth the schools. She noted, however, that in talking with the local realtors, they are beginning to change how they talk about the schools and the town. It was noted that some of the realtors are even participating in the "Principal for a Day" program. The Mayor also commended Dr. Delgado and the Board on the steadily declining drop-out rate, while the college rate is increasing. 6 12/11/2000 Board Member Brown commented on the excellent International Baccalaureate (1.8.) Program at Cajon High School, which is creating full diploma status. He stated that this is a premier program that we can be very proud of--that San Bernardino City Schools are in the top ten percent that are granting full diploma status. Board President Tillman stated that the goal of the Board and the District is to push every student to his/her limits. He added that there are people waiting in line to get into the District's Special Education Program. He also noted that we need to be training a work force--that people live here who are driving to Orange and Los Angeles for their jobs. He added that we have trained professionals in this area, and then we see them leave because there are no high-tech jobs in the area. Board Member Dupre stated that together we need to have an action plan relative to continued work with the realtors in the area. He stated that if representatives from the School District have never been to a realtors' meeting, then they need to go and give a presentation. Also noted was the City's need of better housing stock, and the District's need to be more engaged with the local officials. City Attorney Penman noted that the young people are leaving San Bernardino after they graduate, and he thinks we need to look at employing our own graduates. We need to find out from our own young people why they don't want to stay in San Bernardino and address that issue. Mayor Valles used the Silicon Valley as an example, stating that it is not the greatest place; however, it's a cool place to be. There is night life there--things to do after the sun goes down--and it is incumbent upon us to create such an environment if we want our young people to stay. We have the cultural events, but we need the restaurants, night life, etc. Ornnitrans (2) The District advised that Ramona Alessandro is situated near the Ornnitrans facility, and the smells are definitely going over 10 the school. It was noted that Onmitrans is diligently looking toward a resolution of this problem. Technology Grant (5) Mr. Tillman asked for a link on the City's website to direct individuals to the School District, and the School District will do the same thing and direct individuals from their website to the City. Dr. Michael Karpman advised that as the result of a grant obtained by the County Schools approximately four years ago, the City School District has been able to wire almost every classroom in the District, and has an infrastructure in place that 7 l2/1lI2oo0 many would be envious of. He stated that if they could have some of their students do an internship in the City--some type of partnership with the City--it might give them a reason to want to stay in the area. He added that as a large urban city, we have access to many grants, and if the District could partner with the City it would be a good way to bring additional technology money into the schools. He mentioned the possible use of a grant where they could bring in teleconferencing and look at distance learning. Mayor Valles also suggested involving KVCR. She stated that she could contact KVCR and include them in the Mayor's Roundtable discussions, because they do have distance learning capability in place. GENERAL COMMENTS Council Member Estrada stated that she has always believed that we should have a center (a "Grantsmanship Center" so to speak), which could be a collaborative effort between the City and the School District, whose job it would be to look on a daily basis at what is available in terms of educational funding. She stated that perhaps now would be the time for that. Council Member Schnetz stated that he had been listening to the discussion, and he wondered why a student would need to take remedial algebra when entering the local university when that student had been an honor student in high school. It was pointed out that the School District is currently working on a collaborative effort between Valley College and Cal State San Bernardino to be sure that each one knows what the other is expecting. It was noted that what is being taught at the state universities is not what is being taught in the schools--that this is a state-wide problem--not just a San Bernardino problem. Council Member Lien thanked the Board and the District for setting up the meeting. She stated she was excited about the possibility of a new elementary school and was glad they had looked at the property at the County Medical Center. She also noted that the City is trying to broaden its housing stock. Council Member McCammack expressed support and pOS1l1ve comments regarding two programs that the School District currently has in place--the first being the Earn and Learn Program. She advised that her business has personally interned several students from San Bernardino High School's graphics program. She felt that if we could create more of a formal internship program between the high schools and local businesses, it would be helpful in keeping students in San Bernardino. Secondly, there is the LB. Program and the ability of our high schools to prepare kids for entrance into the state universities. City Attorney Penman noted that it is a very positive thing for the elected leaders of the City to gather with the elected leaders of the schools. 8 l2/11/2ooo Board Member Lynda Savage spoke regarding land use issues, stating that the Board must know where the lakes and streams will be located, as they are plamling on building an additional twelve elementary schools, two high schools, and three middle schools, which includes Cesar Chavez School. Board Member Louis Yeager commented that the best thing that has happened in San Bernardino is the new administration at City Hall. Board Member Valdez commented that remedial education is a problem throughout the state, and she would like to have Cal State San Bernardino involved with this dialogue. She stated she would like to see us continue on a proactive track and do proactive work in the community so kids can receive the skills they need in order to get jobs. Narciso Cardona, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services, spoke regarding Community Day Schools, which allow students with attendance and behavioral problems to be in a small setting. There is an elementary program at Anderson School, a high school program at the Boys and Girls Club, and two classes offered at the YWCA. Board Member Dupre stated that he was glad to see that the City was interested in working together. He noted that although it had not been mentioned, San Bernardino's Adult Education Program is number one in the state. Dr. Delgado closed by thanking the Mayor, "who has an educator's heart." He stated that there are 52,000 students in the City School District, which has a budget of $360 million. He stated that their business is creating a future for San Bernardino and the surrounding communities, and they do that by educating our kids. He noted that not everyone is going to believe that the schools are making progress; however, more and more people are getting on board who are saying that they do believe. ADJOURNMENT (8) At 7:59 p.m., the meeting adjourned. The next joint regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council/Community Development Commission is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2000, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California. RACHEL G. CLARK, CMC CITY CLERK By i",JA- ~. 4vV Linda E. Hartzel Deputy City Clerk No. of Items: 8 No. of Hours: 2 9 12/1112000