Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________ Of course St. Paul schools has a lot of interest in all this and sent 3 people. I have a lot of personal interest and some knowledge because of my work within the local Hmong community (serve on several TFs, have been involved in some legislative stuff, and so on). Couple of pieces of info: Yesterday's forum will be webcast on the MN Council of Nonprofit's website (www.mncn.org) starting April 1, I'm told. And the group is completing their formal report in about 2 wks. If we start a big discussion now, it will dip and then need to bounce back when the report comes out, which may be too much for this group. I'd suggest something closer to the report issue date (which you can verify with various members of the delegation or just check w/mayor's office).
Given the briefing yesterday, a possible organizing structure might be the various dimensions presented by delegation members: physical health, mental health, education, housing options, etc., and then a bunch of facts about things like numbers eligible and on what basis (incl info on drug testing, etc.), resettlement funds provided to whom and by whom and when, what we know about who's going where (not much), when resettlement will begin and is scheduled to end, what happens to Hmong not eligible, and so on. Much of that was covered at a high level yesterday, and while I could certainly plug some holes, it would be relying on my memory and I'd prefer more direct and accurate sources. I would NOT like to be involved in a forum discussion where some people flippantly present either their whole-hearted support or racist perspectives -- not only because I'm sick of hearing that, but primarily because I don't think it deepens anyone's understanding of anything. FYI, re: SPPS support...1) we have the space to accommodate the incoming students at all age levels; 2) staff are available to meet their needs; 3) we can and will receive state and federal funding for ELL, spec ed, and other services for these students once we can verify that they have arrived. These funds cannot be budgeted until that time, but this is not a problem. Further details will be available in the report and subsequently from SPPS senior staff. In summary, we have decades of experience, large numbers of trained and talented staff, and one of the most respected ELL depts in the country; we're taking it seriously, but we're not worried. OK, outta juice. Gone 3/29-4/6 and can't do anything then, so hope this helps. -- Anne ___________________________________________ Anne R. Carroll Carroll, Franck & Associates Strategic planning, public involvement, communications 1357 Highland Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116 USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 651-690-9162 School Board: 651-690-9156 or www.annecarroll.org "A politician worries about the next election. A states[wo]man worries about the next generation, and the children yet unborn." e.e. cummings "...leadership is about how you bring out the best in people. Leadership is what you give to the community you live in. Leadership is what you give to the world. Leadership is how you live an honest life... You will be more credible and you will be more powerful if you do not separate the lives you live from the words you speak." -- Paul Wellstone _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
