HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2013-09-05 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
September5, 2013
DRAFT
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Kathleen Gantz, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Dragonov„
Verna Seal, Charlie Penor, Brenna Arnesen
ABSENT: Verna Seal, Mary Hulvey
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the August 1, 2013 were reviewed and approved (motion by Nate,
Seconded by Kathleen).
Thanks to those folks who were re -appointed. Joyce will send an email regarding dates of
appointments.
School district update - New communications director at the school district, Sarah N.
Aaron shared thank you notes from the kids who received books via the E/D book drive. Posters too.
Budget: We still have about $2,000 left in budget.
Mellody— would like to invite Karen Brash to make a presentation to the Commission, Girls on the Run.
Mellody will invite to Oct. 3 meeting to share information. Joyce will send Mellody grant
info./application.
One America Overview—(Nate) Get more information/understanding aboutthe organization, since this
group is working in our community - advocates for immigrants and refugees in WA. With Tukwila being
a "hub" for a wide range of diverse communities, would the group like to hear more about One
America? The group would definitely like to hear from a representative about their work at the State
and local level. Nate will make contact with his contact to see if she can attend the Nov. meeting.
Joan— Buthanese kids have created a Buthanese Community Resource Center"club", meeting Saturdays
in Tukwila — share thoughts and feelings about identity. Members will reach into others in their
Equity & Diversity Minutes
September 5, 2013
community. This might be someone we would like to invite, to share info. both directions — maybe we
can be a resource for them. Some of the kids are graduates from Foster.
Joyce will try to connect with the group to see if we can learn more at an upcoming meeting.
Taste of Tukwila — Joan, Joyce Aaron Joyce will check with Mary. Mellody can take an early shift, let her
know,..
The group will brainstorm other ideas and send them to Joyce ASAP.
Charlie — CERT training — a few seats available. 3 hours once a week for 9 weeks. Raejean Kreel in Fire
Dept. is coordinator.
School district update — staff turnover, transition stage. New bus, HR director, new superintendent,
assessment, communications directors. Hiring a Burmese liaison. Kids still enrolling. Professional
development is a new assessment system — teachers getting training on the new evaluation system.
Lots of additional support people to help with atte3ndance. Providence hospital gave $60K to hire
success coordinator. (job description being developed). Head Start program starting (first time) out of
Thorndyke, district hopes to start in Oct./Nov. Pre school (federallyfunded), you have to have a certain
level of income to qualify for participation.
Brenna due Oct. 22.
Meeting adjourned 6:10 p.m.
NEXT MEETING - OCTOBER 3, 2013