Minutes 05/18/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1989 Mrs. Stone, a member of the School Board, while noting that the budgetary process is a'most difficult task for the School Board and that, too, wonderful things are goingon in the local school system, pointed out that, irrespective of low test scores hereinbefore referred to, generally local school children are performing above. their ability levels although, regrettably, there has been a decline even in ability levels in recent years. In response to specific questions from members of Council, members of the school system's administrative staff informed Council that (1) students are ' performing above their ability levels, (2) pupil'teacher ratios in the Special Education (Learning Disability) classes comply with mandated requirements, and l (3) the local school'system will not be adversely affected by the reduction, as proposed, in the"learning disability" teaching force. Councilman Cole, taking exception to the inference that City Council does not fund (for school purposes) what it should fund, and pointing to the decline in enrollment each succeeding year for a number of years, expressed confidence in the City School Board and in its operation of the local school system. Mr. Cole also pointed out that, in his ten years as a member Of City Council, there has never before been a negative atmosphere such has been initiated this year by a few people through anonymous letters and telephone calls, in spite of the fact that considerable more local monies will be appropriated for 1989-90 school purposes than was appropriated in 1988-89, much of which will go to increase salaries for teachers by a percentage greater than regular City employees will be receiving.~ Other "positive" aspects mentioned by Mr. Cole pointed to three new programs to be offered next year in the school system as well as the need to "rally around" a new School Superintendent; whereas, Mayor