2013-01-28 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. John Clark, 7575 Stanford Avenue Mr. Clark thanked Councilmember Price and Councilmember Sharpe for bringing the resolution forward. He stated he was the newest member on the school board. He stated that he loves preservation and keeping buildings in order cost a lot of money. He said that the bond issue was filled with things that make the environment of the schools better. He expressed the love he and his family have for University City and the reason why he never left the community. Mr. Clark said he was excited to get involved with University City School Board and thrilled that the board was considering this Proposition and hoped the Council would vote yes. Ms. Joylynn Pruitt, Superintendent of University City Schools, 8136 Groby Road Ms. Pruitt stated that one of the comments she heard when she first became superintendent was restoring the school district of University City to the statue and acclaim that it held many years ago. She said that meant the academic achievement as well as the facilities to facilitate it. Ms. Pruitt stated that while the task has been an arduous one, staff and administration continue to do it because there are very bright, talented and gifted students in the community of University City who can accomplish great things. Ms. Pruitt stated that on behalf of the students, parents, and the school district of University City, they asked for support of the resolution. Mr. Price first clarified that the Proposition was just Proposition U. He read a document that he gave to the City Clerk that stated that when he looked at how they can continue to make University City a growing, vibrant and safe City, he knew that they must start with the school district. It read that they have evidence that great schools make great and safe neighborhoods; therefore, in order for the great City to grow they must make the school facilities and academic standards above and beyond reproach. Mr. Price stated that when he first came to University City, the issue of being accredited was a battle and if there was a majority African American district then it was unattainable. He said that statement diluted the diversity of the City because people sent their kids elsewhere, but that has been proven a fallacy because it has been done. Mr. Price said that citizens need to tell others that just because the majority was an African American district does not mean that higher learning has not taken place. He gave an example of the progress by telling the Council his son’s accomplishment from being a University City graduate and how he has continued to excel in college. Mr. Price expressed how the City officials must support the continued improvements of the school district as it continues to make great strides in improving the academic standards and the school facilities. He said we must support the district in its needed quest to improve the facilities for our children and this would allow them to have facilities they need to go forward in the st 21 Century from a technological and environmental standpoint. Mr. Price said the Superintendent and her staff have led the district towards great results and commended them on the use of the previous 53 million dollar bond issue being completed under budget and with no controversy. 4