Special Meeting - Open Session - January 12, 2004

Madison Metropolitan School District Madison, Wisconsin Art Rainwater, Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Special Meeting - Open Session January 12, 2004		Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Room 103 Madison, Wisconsin

The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Bill Keys at 5:05 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ray Allen, Carol Carstensen, Bill Clingan, Bill Keys, Ruth Robarts, Shwaw Vang

MEMBERS ABSENT: Juan José López

STAFF PRESENT: Jane Belmore, Diane Crear, Jason Demerath, Valencia Douglas, Mary Gulbrandsen, Jack Jorgensen, Bob Nadler, Roger Price, Joe Quick, Art Rainwater, Ken Syke, Barbara Lehman-Recording Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT: Glenn Singleton, Equity Consultant

1. Public Appearances

There were no public appearances.

2. Announcements

There were no announcements.

3. Update with Glenn Singleton relative to Equity Training and Courageous Conversations about Race

Diane Crear noted that this school year Mr. Singleton has been visiting the district about every six weeks with various staff and came to share with the Board some of the things they have been working on and some of the things the teams have been doing.

The title of his presentation was "Courageous Conversation and Courageous Leadership." He began by asking each of the board members for a percentage at which race is a part of their daily lives. After each board member responded to this, an article was distributed entitled, "A Talk To Teachers" (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes). He explained that the articles given to the staff are difficult and the conversations expand on what has been read. He gathered feedback from the board about what this title means. He explained that teachers need to investigate race in their lives before teaching a multicultural curriculum, how to construct knowledge around it, and how to talk about these issues in the context of "whiteness." He indicated that students come into school without the "code" and make mistakes and then get punished for not knowing the "code." Treating people equally means everyone gets better and the achievement gap narrows. He defied equity and anti-racism, talked about some "what ifs," levels of intervention components, phases, and actions. The "Dimensions of Work" involve courageous conversation system wide, Equity Team leadership system wide, culturally responsive schools and community and parent engagement. He ended with his framework, very similar to that of the district, involving relationships, learning, engagement, and achievement results. He reviewed some agreements and conditions and a framework for training, with zones. Another article was distributed that will be the next focus for the E-Teams entitled, "The Culture Builder" (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes). The work of the E-Teams was reviewed and some of their activities.

Ms. Crear distributed a cover letter and flyer of the newest offering for all staff entitled, "The More You Know/The More Your Grow…tips for better understanding across race and culture" (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes). She offered to include the Board members on the mailing list.

4. Other Business

There was no other business.

5. Adjournment

It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Shwaw Vang to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Motion unanimously carried by those present.

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