HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2014-12-04 Minutesilivolo
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
December 4, 2014
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Crystal Sweet, Melissa Hart, Nate Robinson,
Kathy Hougardy
Absent: Kathleen Gantz, Thong Ung
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
A brief presentation was made by Jenny McCoy on behalf of the Tukwila Weekend SnackPack
group regarding the need for weekend food supplies for some of our most needy McKinney -
Vento students. The group submitted a grant request for consideration by the Equity and
Diversity Commission in the amount of $1,200 to provide needed food items. Ms. McCoy
shared some statistics regarding the number of McKinney -Vento students in the district,
schools attended, and historical data, and answered questions from the group.
Thorndyke Elementary currently has the highest percentage of homeless students in the
District. Many of the students are provided breakfast and lunch at school (after school program
students also receive an evening snack). Unfortunately, many of these children do not have
enough to eat on the weekends. The purpose of the program is to provide food that students
can take home on Friday afternoons.
This effort is a collaboration between the District, building staff, volunteers, church
communities, etc. The funds requested will help provide food for this pilot project. If the
project is successful and sustainable, it could be expanded to include other schools in the
District.
The Commission appreciated Ms. McCoy's information, and told her they would consider her
request.
The City's Human Services Dept. also submitted a grant application to provide translation
services for the Minor Home Repair application form. Having the application in other languages
will open this program up to a broader number of Tukwila residents.
The Commission also discussed the request for supporting our youth who would like to
participate in basketball, but are unable to afford the fees. The Commission sponsored a team
in 2013, and the request was made that we sponsor a team in 2014 as well. Cost of
sponsorship is about $250.
Equity and Diversity
December 4, 2014
Page 2
The Commissioners discussed the 3 grant proposals and after consideration, Crystal Sweet
made a motion to approve all 3 proposals (total funding, about $1,850 from the remaining
$3,257 E/D 2014 budget). Unanimous approval.
Joyce will work with the various groups to initiate payments.
OLD BUSINESS
Minutes from the October 2 and November 6, 2014 meetings were reviewed and approved.
Moved by Melissa Hart, seconded by Nate Robinson. Unanimous approval.
OTHER
Commissioners discussed the need for more efficient planning and broader usage of budget
funds. The E/D budget can be utilized for training, education, supplies, etc. Those needs have
been small in recent years, allowing for the ability to support various grants. Some of these
requests might be more appropriately funneled through the City's Human Services Department.
Joan shared that it is important the Commission be "acknowledged" for the funding it provides.
The Commissioners suggested that the January and February, 2015 meetings include further
discussion around year -long calendars, budget planning, goal setting, etc. Kathy suggested the
group consider the 3 program goals (shown on the bottom of each meeting agenda) — consider
edits /changes for 2015, and then think about focusing on one of the 3 areas each quarter of
2015.
Joyce was asked to provide a school calendar at the January 8 meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — JANUARY 8, 2015