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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 9/14/2000 PSUSDCITY OF PALM SPRINGS AND PALM SPRINGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2000 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Thursday, September 14, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindienst Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on September 8, 2000. HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY - No Business PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3-minute limit per person on matters within the jurisdiction of the Council). Goldman Jacobs, Human Rights Commission, congratulated both entities for meeting to discuss human rights issues in the Community; that recently the District did give its employees diversity training and that the City should adopt some goals for sensitivity training for its employees; and added that harassment on the school grounds towards gays and lesbians does need to be addressed by the District and some type of safeguards set in place. Edward Joseph stated that the recent handling of the incident at the High School was compassionate; that past incidents involving students of color were not afforded that same type of compassion; that there is discrimination at the high school; that it was a gang that was involved in the recent incident and questioned if the outcome would have been different if the group included minorities; that equality in treatment of the students must be addressed; that there is a class socio-economic disparity; and reviewed a handout, copy attached. Tim Forrester, Gay and Lesbian Network, stated that it is hoped that the schools continue the “safe room” concept for gay and lesbian students; that the students that feel threatened have a place to go; that there are police in place, but violence does happen and recommended the District extend domestic partner benefits to its employees. Council Minutes 09-14-00, Page 2 Paul Washington stated that the “safe place” is a success story for last year; that it is a haven for students to go to when they are threatened regarding their sexual orientation; that all kids should feel safe when at school; and commended the entities for their continued involvement. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 1. PROGRESS REPORT OF THE UNITY PROJECT Councilmember Oden stated that the City has been somewhat deficient in keeping up with the project, due to a lack of a City Manager; that hopefully the subcommittee of the Council and the City Manager will coordinate meetings with the District’s subcommittee to address lacking issues. Mr. Aiken, PSUSD Board, stated that the Council and School Board will continue to work together, and commended the participation of the Council; and added that problems do take awhile to solve and that the goal is to work together for the betterment of the young people. Jane Brewer, PSUSD, reviewed a Power Point Presentation, copy attached. Councilmember Oden commended the School Board for its work and requested that the results of the Parent Survey be forwarded to the Council for review. 2. DISCUSSION OF 2000-01 FISCAL YEAR UNITY PROJECT GOALS District Board Member Schoenberger reviewed the subcommittee goals set for 1999, copy attached, and added that the intent of the goals was the same for the district; that emphasis on academics is being stressed at the school; that the Ramon Academy has opened and is proving to be successful, that the young people are excited to be attending high school and are striving to be placed in the traditional high school; and that there are new reading programs being introduced at the schools. Councilmember Oden stated that five years ago the first meeting was held; that the emphasis in the past was related to economic development and providing schools that entice people to place their children there; that there have been incidents that have happened at the school; that it does seem that the Board keeps abreast of the issues; that one of the issues facing the Community is the young people in the downtown area; that there may be an answer that can be found between the District and the City Council; that the report of the District will assist the City in moving forward and added that the joint meeting does benefit the entire community. Council Minutes 09-14-00, Page 3 District Board Member Schoenberger stated that the District has a lot of work left; that the goals will be maintained; that a film project “Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium” is being run by the District and should prove to have a positive impact on the District; that there is an open communication of issues; that the District has implemented a “safe haven” for all children; that there are students and staff alike that have been designated as “safe” to go and speak to; that the people are designated as HIP, Harassment Intervention Person, and do wear pins showing the designation; and that the emphasis is to move ahead in the goals and not let the momentum of the City and District die. District Board Member Aiken stated that the District has allocated funding to address the goals set forth; that intense study of programs and possible interventions has been conducted and that the District feels certain that it will accomplish positive movement for the schools. Councilmember Hodges stated that one mission should be to minimize gangs; that there was a report issued by the Police Department and requested the report be forwarded to the Council; and that after the report is received, the Council should likewise discuss the recommendations and possible implementation on a City-side basis. 3. APPROVAL OF THE 2000-01 UNITY PROJECT GOALS The goals for 2000-01 will remain as those stated, copy attached, in 1998-99. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: Councilmembers reported on various civic and community organizational meetings and events which they attended, subsequent to the last regular meeting, and announced upcoming events of community interest. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None ADDED STARTERS: None REPORTS & REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests - None PUBLIC reports or requests Goldman Jacobs stated that there is a vehicle in place to assist with diversity, the Human Rights Commission; and added that the Commission stands ready to assist the school and the District in any need. Council Minutes 09-14-00, Page 4 STAFF reports or requests - None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk