4/18/06
SLUSD Board Meeting Notes

By Tim Felton

Public meeting started at 7:20 with all 7 Board members and the Superintendent present.

Presentation by Cyril Bonnano of Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (ROP) to discuss what program does for SL high school students (SLHS). Approximately 950 SLHS students go through the ROP program each year. They are taught industrial and technical skills such as brick laying, court reporting, culinary classes, carpentry, etc. 10 of the courses are accepted at UC for credit. Open house at the ROP Center on May 3rd 6:30 to 8:30

Appreciation Award given to Deborah Cox and Leroy Smith of Citizens for San Leandro Schools/Yes on Measure A for all their work on Measure A.

Board tried to reconcile Board meeting schedule for the rest of the year: many conflicts, no decision made.

Very little mention of bond workshop other than there were 8 options on the table and the wanted more info on the "9th grade academy" model.

The most interesting (and unexpected) event was a proposal made to the Board by John Sullivan, local business man, to establish an advisory coalition to the Superintendent comprised of 25+ members of the community. The members would be from the Chamber, city government, home owners associations, local business organizations. The stated mission would be to " evaluate, recommend, endorse, and promote goals that would enhance the financial stability of SLUSD and would further the general welfare of our education system." The goal is to stop the mistrust and finger pointing between the community and the School Board and work with the Superintendent in an ADVISORY capacity only to try and find funding for the schools. All of the board members were strongly in favor of this. There was a lengthy discussion of how many and who should be on this coalition. Originally 50 members were suggested but most thought that was to many so is may be around 25 members (possible selected by the Superintendent) More discussion to come...

Meeting adjourned at 9:30