HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-12-01 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
December 1, 2011
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Aaron Draganov, Kathleen Gantz, Mellody
Matthes, Carolyn Barge
ABSENT: Verna Seal, Mary Hulvey
STAFF: Joyce Tra nti na
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
The Minutes of the November 3, 2011 meeting were approved as submitted.
(Recommendation by Joan Hernandez, seconded by Mellody Matthes).
NEW BUSINESS
Kathleen shared information regarding the cultural diversity/competency training she provided
for the district's para -educators and office staff. The group asked if she would be willing to
make the same presentation to the Commission at a future meeting. Joyce will work with
Kathleen to select a future date for sharing the Powerpoint slides and overview.
The group discussed the need for additional support for the many homeless kids — the need is
greater yet the resources are shrinking. Funding is more limited with programs being
eliminated or reduced, and the greater need is resulting in more kids actually coming forward
at school, about their situation. Currently there are 176 in the Tukwila school district classified
as homeless.
The State budget cuts are going to have a trickle-down effect on the schools — with a reduction
in the number of years for housing support (reduced from 5 years to 3 years) — ultimately this
will likely result in overcrowded/lack of shelters for families. Health care benefits could be
further reduced or cut, which means students may have more health issues, affecting
attendance and learning.
The group talked about the 504 Plan — which is a Federally mandated program and outlines
what might be needed for kids who have special needs. The Plan addresses the need for
"accommodation" versus special education. However, in many cases Plans are being
implemented for a broader group of students. When a student has a 504 Plan, it follows that
student all the way to college.
Equity and Diversity Minutes
December 1, 2011
Page 2
Aaron shared his findings regarding the cost of magnets — Kinkos = about $4.00 each. We can
purchase the magnet sheets, print and adhere the information ourselves , at a cost of about
$1.25 each. Aaron is also going to check with Costco and Minuteman Press to see if we can
locate a more reasonable price.
Joyce shared information regarding the Community Meeting for Tukwila Village. Several of our
Somali residents attended and provided good feedback regarding how the indoor/outdoor
common area might be used by some of our refugee population. The City will be presenting a
draft Development Agreement at the December 19th City Council meeting, and work will
continue in January/February to finalize the terms of the Agreement. More community
meetings will be held next year, and updates are available on the City's website.
She also reported that the Commission's new member, Charlie Penor, will be appointed at the
Dec. 19th Council meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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