MO 2002-021 to 2002-025 (Missing 2002-022)

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City Council / San Lorenzo Unified School District Liaison Committee April 9, 2002 Meeting Highlights Present: Board Member Sidari, Board Member Randall, Vice -Mayor Glaze, Councilmember Loeffler, Councilmember Santos, Superintendent Duran, Assistant Superintendent Glassberg, City Manager Jermanis, Recreation and Human Services Director Knudtson, Library Director Bohne, Engineering and Transportation Director Udemezue, Educational Technology Director Hardy, Senior Engineer Joseph, Assistant to the City Manager Battenberg, Associate Engineer Goralka, and Kathy von Ibsch. Also present was Bob Leigh of the Washington Manor Home Owner's Association. 1. Discussion Regarding the Role of Character Education in San Lorenzo Unified School District Schools Superintendent Duran reported that the Character Education program is part of the District's strategic plan and was developed to improve student social skills and ability to work with others. She introduced Kathy von Ibsch who explained that the program includes four pillars: conflict resolution; multicultural; character education; and parent involvement. Additionally, she explained that the program includes elements which address school, community and home life. Some of the tools the District uses are music, skits, posters, badges, and newsletter articles. Since program implementation student scores are up, suspension is down and there appears to be less conflict on the playgrounds. The program was first introduced to the school staff, including janitors, because they serve as role models. Ms. von Ibsch explained that some cities, such as Tulare and Modesto, support similar programs. (A copy of the handout was distributed to City Council members on April 11) 2. Update on Washington Manor Middle School City Manager Jermanis reported that the Washington Manor Middle School field renovation is a project identified by this committee and explained that it is one of the City's main Capital Improvement Projects next fiscal year. Senior Engineer Joseph reviewed the site plan which includes a new softball field, bleachers, a multi -use field, reconfiguration of the basketball courts, a track surrounding the facility and a fitness area. He reported that the City contracted with a consultant for development of construction documents to be completed in May. The project will then be brought to Council. Construction is projected to start in June/July and end in December 2002. Recreation and Human Services Director Knudtson stated that the City is in the process of developing a joint use agreement for the School Board and City Council for approval. 3. Discussion Re(aarding Corvallis School Plavuound Renovation Grant City Manager Jermanis reported that in February the City receiv--d notification that the state reverted the $98,500 School Playground Grant received for improvements to Corvallis School back to the State due to the state budget shortfall. Recreation and Human Services Director Knudtson reported that over 80 agencies were affected throughout the state and that in her discussions with other cities, there was nothing that could have been done to retain the grant funding. City Manager Jermanis recommended the committee wait to see if the state reappropriates the money in the 2002-03 fiscal year budget and discuss this issue at a future meeting. The committee agreed to address this issue at a future meeting.