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| BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Board of Education - Common Council Liaison Committee March 28, 2007 |
Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Auditorium Madison, Wisconsin |
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Common Council/Board of Education Liaison Committee meeting was called to order by Chair Lucy Mathiak at 4:36 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Board of Education Member Lawrie Kobza, Board of Education Member Lucy Mathiak; Mayoral Assistant George Twigg (arrived 4:55 p.m.), School District Chief of Staff Mary Gulbrandsen, Alder Cindy Thomas (left 5:17 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alder Isadore Knox, Jr.
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Ann Wilson (MMSD) -Recording Secretary
1. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Cindy Thomas to approve the minutes dated February 28, 2007. Motion unanimously carried by those present.
2. Public Appearances
Don Severson - Vital for this committee to pursue more collaboration between the city and school board and it is critical to include the county so that services can be delivered in the most unduplicated, uncomplicated way possible. Suggested areas that it would be good public policy to explore: a) policing and safety in and around schools; b) transportation of students; c) planning for population and economic growth for more efficient use of data and integration of issues; d) delivery of services such as psychology, social work, nursing - sharing staffs, spreading costs on greater tax base; e) four-year-old kindergarten - opportunities for sharing of delivery - many resources in the community already - grow and expand city, county and private sector; f) after school programs. He offered his assistance, help, and support. Mr. Severson indicated he would prefer regional county representation that may result in broader geographic thinking.
The order of the next two items on the agenda was switched because George Twigg had not yet arrived.
3. Structure and Function of the Common Council/Board of Education Liaison Committee
Cindy Thomas commented that it takes some time for members to have a common knowledge of how both the city and school districts function. Common knowledge will be lost as new representatives are appointed by both the city and school board. Alders Thomas and Knox are both retiring from the City Council. Switching administrative duties annually between the city and school district has been problematic because the city does not show the same commitment to the committee by providing resources (scheduling meetings, recorders) as the school district does. Appointment to the committee is not viewed as important. Her colleagues do not seem to be interested in the work of the committee.
George Twigg reported the Mayor's office has been giving thought lately to adopting a structure used by other cities for a similar committee that would be more effective because the members would be able to make decisions or commitments. Potential membership might include the Mayor, President of the City Council, Superintendent, President of the School Board, the County Executive, County Board Chair, and some other representation, perhaps by labor or other organizations.
Mayoral Assistant Twigg noted he would bring back more information. After the election, the Mayor plans to float the idea with the other units of government, talk about what could be accomplished, who the members would be, and also look at other city models. They hope to more forward reasonably soon. There is probably groundwork to be done by the legislative bodies of all entities to assure that their policies are in line with such a committee. (School Board policy notes that the Board President will assign a representative to the Common Council/Board of Education Liaison Committee.)
DISCUSSION:
· Committee has had good discussions. Needs to be a change in status with linkage with decision makers. Need a structure that brings together people who can determine policy issues or get them on the table where issues can be appropriately addressed or delegated.
· Information has been provided, but to what end or benefit. Much more value when a meeting results in problem solving. An example of discussion is about transportation. At what level can administrative or policy changes be made?
· Appropriate to assess the role of the committee and ask questions. More could be accomplished with this liaison function.
· Encourage involvement of all potential membership parties in planning. Always concerned about using staff time to present to a committee that is only receiving information and no other result. Encourage further planning for a committee like this, with regular reports on progress.
· Topics suggested by Don Severson are current. The committee should have a focus; commended current chair for bringing focus to the committee this year. Support identifying topics for a year/term.
Lucy Mathiak indicated the committee is interested in more information about the proposed structure and would like to be kept informed of progress.
Alder Cindy Thomas left the meeting at this point. She indicated she has enjoyed her opportunity to serve on this committee and her interaction with Board representatives. She felt it was a way of continuing her learning about education. Continued discussion and cooperation between the school district and city can only be a good thing. Other members thanked her for her service and her valuable commitment and contributions to the committee.
5. City of Madison - MMSD Cooperation to Support Neighborhood Schools
Lucy Mathiak noted the Board of Education has received letters from the Mayor and some alders indicating concerns with closing or consolidating schools. She asked whether the city would be able to provide some support and cooperation in finding solutions that might mitigate the need to close or consolidate schools.
George Twigg indicated the Mayor is definitely interested in strategically providing some additional crossing guard coverage so the school district could reduce busing costs to Lapham School. For a modest amount ($7,800 for a crossing guard), the school district could realize the substantial savings of reducing a bus route ($45,000). The Mayor is interested is preserving the current school situation and could be helpful in securing more crossing guards, which would provide both an opportunity to save money and contribute to general health (exercise). Mr. Twigg was able to confirm that the Mayor supports this philosophy, but he cannot speak for the City Council. The question could be asked and options considered. The City is also under fiscal constraints, but this is a modest amount and the money would be well spent in leveraging larger savings.
Mary Gulbrandsen received information from Arthur Ross of City Planning that there is an extensive history behind providing bus transportation vs. crossing guards for the route to Lapham School. Mr. Ross and staff will be doing an evaluation of walking routes - reviewing all paths. Ms. Gulbrandsen noted it is a large area and she does not think that every Marquette student will be able to walk to Lapham. Lucy Mathiak suggested cooperation with the Safe Routes to School program which may result in identification of safe routes and areas that need priority.
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Adjournment
It was moved by Mary Gulbrandsen and seconded by George Twigg to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Motion unanimously carried by those present.
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