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SCHOOL ISSUES: Good News and Bad News
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THE GOOD NEWS:
Lindsay Cox is the project manager for the Partnership for Change, the organization joining Burlington and Winooski school districts, funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. The Partnership for Change seeks to remodel public education in Burlington and Winooski, to align with what our young people need to thrive in a complex global society. The Partnership represents a broad and diverse group helping to build a more prosperous future for both communities. Lindsay will answer any questions folks may have about how to learn more about, or get involved in, the Partnership for Change.
*THE BAD NEWS:
Superintendent Collins was invited to address concerns that many parents have about a recent report that the elementary schools will be shortening a school day to make time for teacher planning. The questions we are hearing in the community are::
Why is this being done without public input?Parents want to be involved in the decision making process.
Why are they forcing this thru without parent participation?
Who is going to pay for this? Taxpayers and if yes, how much is this going to cost?
Why can't this be done at 3PM on Wednesdays?
*Jeanne Collins, Superintendent, can't attend because it's school vacation. Linda Deliduka, Ward 7 school commissioner, will be at the meeting to answer questions. There have been meetings at Flynn and Smith, but the feelings of smokescreens and back room deals will further be embedded in parents minds if we don't air this with the school board immediately.
DOG PARKS
The Off Leash Dog Work Group in partnership with the Dept of Parks and
Rec has compiled a Draft Report on Off Leash Dog - Opportunities for the City.
Jesse Bridges, Director of Parks and Rec, and Ed Pais from the
community work group would like to share the comprehensive review and
evaluation of opportunities to generate feedback and discussion
REDISTRICTING CITY WARDS
Council added another voting member from Ward 4 to the Redistricting Committee. Also, to wards 2 and 6. Fortunately, most NPAs had elected Alternates who were fully prepared to step up to the table. Thanks to George Gamache for stepping up. We will need to elect a replacement alternate, and during reports from elected officials we will hear an update on the work of the committee. The mapmaker has been asked to model the 8th Ward Plan advocated by our NPA. Paul Decelles, Jason L'Ecuyer, Mannie Lionni, Jim Holway, and George Gamache have provided the North End with strong representation on the committee.
AGENDA
7:00 WELCOME. INTRODUCTIONS and ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA, GROUND RULES.
7:05 BUSINESS Elect Phil Lavigne, Ward 7, to Steering Committee. Elect Reps for North Ave Corridor Study group
PUBLIC FORUM will be part of each item on the agenda, with opportunity at the end of the evening for anyone to speak out on other issues.
7:10 REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
7:45 PROGRAM
- 7:45:Off Leash Dog, Opportunities for the City: The Off Leash Dog Work Group in partnership with the Dept of Parks and Rec has compiled a Draft Report on Off Leash Dog Opportunities for the City. Jesse Bridges, Director of Parks and Rec, and some members of the community work group will share a comprehensive review and evaluation of opportunities to generate feedback and discussion. Jesse Bridges bridges@burlingtonvt.gov phone 865-7557.
- 8:05: Partnership for Change Lindsay Cox Lindsey Cox partnershipforchangevt@gmail.
com
8:25 Discussion, early release elementary schools.
8:50 Speak Out and Wrap Up
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