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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2020.09.16 @4001 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR’S COMMISSION ON RACIAL AND SOCIAL EQUITY Meeting held at: Teleconference meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2020 4:00 p.m. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Nicolas Roll Call COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Edith Arias, Jeff Azzopardi, Gladys Balmas, Norm Faria, Mike Futrell, Vanessa McGovern (4:06), Hermes Monzon (4:05), Patricia Murray, Mark Nagales, Flor Nicolas, Kayla Powers, Bobby Vaughn ALTERNATE PRESENT: Andrea Fernandez ABSENT: Cheska Ibasan, Liliana Rivera Welcome/Introductions Chair Flor Nicolas welcomed the Commissioners to the meeting. Chair Nicolas announced the City hired a Graduate Fellow to work in the City Manager’s Office to assist with racial and social equity issues in South San Francisco, including those coming from the Commission. Chair Nicolas noted the Commission will continue informational gathering in a respectf ul manner. Next meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2020 to discuss Housing and Economic Development. Consent Calendar 1. Approval of the meeting minutes of September 2, 2020. Moved by Mark Nagales, seconded by Mike Futrell to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2020 meeting as submitted. Motion passed 11 in favor, 2 absent. New Business 2. Overview of Today’s Aims Chair Nicolas reviewed the goals for this meeting. Kym Dorman provided an overview of the meeting and noted the meeting time will be extended to allow public comments. She noted that Commissioners have diverse ideas and that the Commission was established to be able to listen to a range of perspectives. She welcomed everyone’s contributions to the day’s conversation. Kym Dorman reminded the Commission about the group agreements, and she explained that to ensure that we are able to listen to one person at a time, the chat is being disabled, in other words, one person, and one mic. Additional comments can be emailed and will be shared with the Commission. 3. Review Local Context of Racial Inequities Related to Education 2 a. Review Data Regarding Racial Inequity Relating to Education Kym Dorman provided an overview of data relating to racial and economic inequities in education including inequities in suspensions. She also reviewed data relating to early childhood education. Kym Dorman provided and overview of services provided by governmental entities. b. SSFUSD Presentation In her presentation, Dr. Shawnterra Moore, Superintendent of South San Francisco Unified School District noted the District’s commitment to equity. The District has shifted the process for evaluating and vetting curriculum through an equity lens as well as evaluating data to see disparities and address. The District has distributed hotspots and computers to ensure students can participate in virtual learning environment. She noted data relating to discipline and alternatives to suspension and expulsion programs. Dr. Moore also noted additional support services shifting from punitive responses. The District also hired a coordinator of mental health, behavior and assessment to ensure streamline procedures. District established an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. c. City Presentation on City Services Related to Education Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager/Parks and Recreation Director, and Valerie Sommer, Library Director provided an overview of programs related to early childhood education and City programs that promote equity. A core value is to keep fees as low as possible and ensuring program employees speak languages of participan ts. The City provides full-day preschools and after school education at Title 1 elementary schools at no cost to families. City is also working to expand free WiFi to the community. d. Commissioner Question and Answers  Bobby Vaughn thanked Dr. Moore for her presentation. He asked about data relating to disparities in education outcomes and disciplinary practices. What accounts for the disparities in discipline and achievement? What are the causes? Dr. Moore responded that they analyzed data with School Board noting clear disparities, and they also completed a needs assessment. Adopted a framework for teaching practices and disciplinary practices. Having conversations on unconscious bias and how it may be applied to students. Conducted equity walks and additional training for educators.  Mark Nagales commented on digital divide and appreciated the work of School District and City to expand access.  Norm Faria asked what age discipline starts to become an issue. Dr. Moore indicated sixth grade, arguing with peers, vaping, etc. Norm Faria appreciated the alternative to expulsion program.  Edith Arias asked about suspension rate for Latinx students and alternative to expulsion program and how it could be shifted to a positive outcome (show students opportunities). She also asked how District reaches out to Spanish speaking families with language barriers. She suggested promoting Spanish speaking support groups.  Andrea Fernandez asked if there is work around incorporating a more culturally inclusive curriculum including more diverse staff that represents the community. She asked about mitigation measures and the lost opportunity for grants funds for mental health. She asked if mental health assistance is available to all students. Dr. Moore responded that yes, culturally inclusive curriculum is being worked on through additional 3 professional development. She responded that staff has been designated to apply for grants. Staff (educators and counselors) is still able to attend County training. Mental Health Coordinator starts with special education, and will look to grow the program.  Kayla Powers asked how Commission can support Dr. Moore’s vision. Dr. Moore responded that she appreciates this group is working on addressing inequities, and would like to see a wide representation on District’s Committees. Need to address digital divide for full access to community.  Hermes Monzon suggested including Old Town area for parks programs (movie nights, etc.) to engage youth.  Flor Nicolas asked about support system for homeless children and resources. She also asked about connecting with other resources including Chamber scholarship programs and City-funded programs (United Way and Friends for Youth) for tutoring and mentoring assistance. Dr. Moore noted that if a student is homeless they are to reach out to the Principal and are connected to student services, the District is able to provide food and bus passes and connect to other resources.  Vanessa McGovern asked about connecting to multi-lingual families. Is there any data showing family engagement relating to student success. Dr. Moore responded that they now have a community liaison position. Information is sent out in English and Spanish and use community liaison for support and conduit to families.  Mark Nagales asked how the District is assisting students that are homeless and may be scared to let the school know. City banned sale of e-cigarettes in local stores in collaboration with School District. District has funds set- aside to assist homeless students. 4. Review and Discuss Example Approaches Paige Kruza presented the example approaches to reduce inequities in education including shorter-term results and longer-term results. Approaches include: support low-income and students of color in attendance/participation during and post- distance learning; expand ethic studies and culturally responsive practices; implement universal preschool; construct another licensed preschool facility; and expand free/affordable outside of school enrichment programs and support youth leadership development. 5. Identification of Approaches for Further Investigation & Discussion in Phase I Kym Dorman presented the example approaches and invited a discussion between Commissioners.  Mark Nagales expressed enthusiasm with universal preschool and pre-K for all children to have access to early childhood education. He also noted need for more preschool facilities.  Kayla Powers noted support for universal pre-K. She asked why new facility is proposed at Westborough neighborhood? Sharon Ranals responded that in the Old Town area there are already two preschools, and another one located in the Westborough area. An analysis of waitlist – showed more current demand in the Westborough area. She agreed there are demands across town and would like to see more facilities.  Edith Arias asked if there is a cost for the preschool and the waitlist reflects residents that are able to pay. Some families may not be able to afford preschool and are not working so they can care for their children. Also asked about access to programs due to language barrier or fee. Would like to further 4 approach #5. Sharon Ranals noted that the preschool with Big Lift program is on a sliding scale with many families receiving services at no-cost.  Pat Murray commented on furthering approaches #3 and #5 to assist all students start school on an equal level.  Bobby Vaughn noted that the approach focused on universal preschool should be focused on equity in neighborhoods that need it and to make sure that it addresses the needs of communities of color.  Flor Nicolas agreed that services need to match needs. Commissioners discussed approaches they would like to more forward sooner.  Edith Arias would like to further approach #5 and #2  Pat Murray would like to further approach #3 in an equitable way. The District has ethnic studies in high school and is looking to expand the program to lower grades.  Gladys Balmas would like to ensure parents and families are included in children’s education  Mark Nagales would like to expand approach #4 to include new facilities in other neighborhoods. City has a childcare impact fee applied to new developments.  Kayla Powers asked how we can expand universal pre-K without building more facilities? Mark Nagales noted this is a big lift and will need local business investment. Commission voted to further the following approaches for more information: Approach #2 Expand ethnic studies: 11 Commissioners, and alternate Fernandez Approach #3 Implement universal preschool : 9 Commissioners Approach #4 construct another preschool facility: 2 Commissioners Approach #5 expand free outside of school programs: 6 Commissioners and alternate Fernandez Approaches #2 and #3 received the most votes to move forward for further investigation. All other approaches will remain under study. Public Comments  Russell Lee, Commissioners Liliana and Cheska were unable to attend due to conflicts and concern with hostility at last meetings. Need to assign alternate members when committee members are unable to attend. Concern this furthers inequities. Would like to see data on students receiving free and reduced cost meals before and after COVID. Need health meals for students.  Eddy Holman, Commissioners that were not available to speak tonight are alumnae of SSF Unified School District schools. Universal preschool is being discussed during an election year. Westborough Park is in Councilmembers district.  Aristel de la Cruz expressed concern with not having alternate members on Commission. Expand ethnic studies in a genuine way, rooted in sociology. San Francisco State has a good model to build upon.  Caleb Fowler would like to see ethnic studies expanded and not just from a white person’s perspective.  The Commission is not talking about race and needs to think beyond comfort zone. Racial equity needs to include training staff and expanding ethnic studies. Need to shift people’s mindsets.  Tamarah Humphrey asked what is being done to promote literacy during distance learning and make sure kids have access to books. Valerie Sommer responded that library is during curbside pick-up for books, mailing items and books to families, and more access to digital books.  Julianne Santos, Senior at South City High. Noted the lack of resources for students of color, need more counselors and mental health professionals. Prefer funding programs that would benefit students and not police officers on campus. 5  Patricia noted that issues are identified at earlier grades without programs to address. Need intervention and treatment programs that holistically includes families. Officers on campus are not addressing the issues.  Liliana noted that school does not have sufficient resources for its students. Students were not discussed at this meeting. Need representation from students at Commission meetings. Disconnect between students and learning needs to be addressed. Commissioner comments:  Liliana Riveria stated that the Commission needs to be anti-racist Cheska was not able to attend the meeting due to a school conflict and was denied an alternate. School District needs to be anti-racist. Stop silencing voices of students. Need more mental health resources. Public Comment resumed  Marcela, meetings need to be provided in Spanish. SLOs hinder education system and needs to be discussed. Need expanded ethnic studies at schools. Teachers need better training with ethnic lens. Need more counselors at high school.  Trina, Commission needs to educate themselves on anti-racism. Mental health needs to be addressed including more access. Need more well trained counselors, especially during pandemic.  Olga Perez need more outreach to underserve population. Meetings should be in Spanish. Need equitable resources and services. Volunteering in the library required children to be fingerprinted.  Dolores Piper noted formation of African American Committee at School. Convened a panel of students – need to hear from the youth.  Gustavo noted that alternates should be able to rotate into meetings if a member is not available. Need funds for teachers to obtain training. Need to hear from marginalized voices, especially youth. SLOs should only be on campus for emergency situations.  Marcela, SLOs have been on campus without MOU or guidelines. Only police on campus for emergency situations. Change SSF should be allowed to make a presentation at School Board. Commissioner comments:  Pat Murray stated the District is reviewing the use of SLOs and working on getting the student voices. District is distributing meals to students, for 7 days’ worth of meals (breakfast and lunch).  Edith Arias thanked the range of public comments and noted the need to hear more voices. Survey questions to students, families and underrepresented people.  Mike Futrell noted there have been discussions with the School Board to discuss school resource officers. The presentation is on the City’s website. Three arrests at SSF schools in last five years. There are no tax breaks given to Genentech or any other business in town. Universal pre-K has been a city policy for quite some time. It is being evaluated in the General Plan update. New childcare facility location was determined objectively based on needs and not election year driven. Will objectively review data to locate new facilities and continue to study providing free pre-k. Appreciate all the public comment.  Chair Nicolas clarified the Commission Charter and process for appointment of an alternate. Commissioners need to have an open mind and be respectful of each other. This Commission did not discuss the SLO topic as it is being actively discussed by the School District. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.