Board Members Present:
Mrs. Barbara M. Boudreaux, Chairperson
Ms. Valerie Fields

Staff Present:
Dr. Theodore T. Alexander, Jr., Assistant Superintendent, Student Integration
Mr. Manuel N. Ponce, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Parent Community Services Branch
Dr. Santiago Jackson, Assistant Superintendent, Government Relations and Legislation
Dr. Evangeline Stockwell, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Intergroup Relations
Ms. Terrella Butler Finley, Coordinator, Proficiency in English Program
Mrs. Eleanor Leo, Senior Legislative Analyst, Government Relations and Public Affairs

Parent Representatives Present:
Mr. Dafer Dakhil
Ms. Robyn Ritter Simon

Others Present: See attached list.

POEM: "WHY AM I SO BROWN"

Mr. Juan Aparico, a kindergarten student at 75th Street School, recited a poem entitled "Why Am I So Brown."

POEM: "CHANGE"

Ms. Heather Bucknor, a fourth-grade student at Coliseum Street School, recited a poem entitled "Change."

POEM: "I VISION GOD"

Ms. Janae McQueen Williams, a fifth-grade student at McKinley Avenue School, recited a poem entitled "I Vision God."

MUSICAL SELECTIONS

Mrs. Boudreaux introduced Dr. Iris Stephenson, Director, and the Crenshaw High School Choir. The Crenshaw High School Choir sung a number of Christmas songs.

MT. VERNON MIDDLE SCHOOL FIFE AND DRUM CORPS

The Mt. Vernon Middle School Fife and Drum Corps performed several musical numbers.

POEM: "THE CREATION"

Ms. Jacqueline Narvano, a fourth-grade student at 96th Street School, recited a poem entitled "The Creation."

TRIBUTE FROM THE 50'S TO THE 90'S

A number of students from the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies sung a number of songs from the 50's to the 90's.

HUMAN RELATIONS EDUCATION COMMISSION UPDATE

Dr. Stockwell reported that 84 applications were received for the two classified positions of Human Relations Specialist. Following a review of the written qualifications, 22 candidates were eligible. The Personnel Commission is reviewing the qualifications of the candidates, and 10 to 12 candidates will be interviewed during the first and second week of January.

Dr. Stockwell indicated that there were 125 applicants who applied for the position of Director for the Human Relations Education Commission. A review of the applications will occur next week to determine the number of eligible candidates who will be interviewed during the third week of January.

Dr. Stockwell and Dr. Alexander responded to questions raised by Ms. Fields.

PARENT COMMUNITY UPDATE

Mr. Ponce provided the following update:

€The third annual Parent Summit was held on December 12, 1998, from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

€The revised Standards brochure will be distributed to Cluster offices this month.

€The District's initial proposals have been translated into various languages.

POEM: "BEING THE MOTHER OF A BLACK CHILD"

Ms. Ashley Crowe, a fifth-grade student at Windsor Hills Math Science Magnet School, recited a poem entitled "Being the Mother of a Black Child."

POEM: "THE RACE"

Ms. London Washington, a fourth-grade student at Virginia Road School, recited a poem entitled "The Race."

32ND STREET/USC PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The 32nd Street/USC Performing Arts Magnet Jazz Ensemble performed a number of musical numbers.

1999 BLACK COLLEGES TOUR SEMINAR

Mr. David Allen, King Solomon Educational Consultant, announced that the 1999 Black Colleges Tour Seminar is scheduled from March 24 to April 2, 1999. Approximately 17 universities will be visited from Texas through Washington, D.C. The next meeting for the college tour will be held at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall on December 20, 1998, at 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Josh Watson, a student at Prairie View A & M University, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the Black Colleges Tour Seminar during the Spring of 1997.

AB 37 (TORLAKSON) SHERRICE IVERSON "GOOD SAMARITAN" LAW

This item was not discussed due to the absence of the presenter. Dr. Jackson provided the Committee with a written analysis of the bill.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Dr. Jackson reported that at the next Committee meeting he will provide information on the State budget. The new members of the State Assembly and State Senate were sworn in on December 7, 1998. The new Governor will be sworn in on January 4, 1999. He also reported that Governor elect Gray Davis appointed Gary Hart as his Secretary of Education.

Dr. Jackson provided the Committee with a one-page document that highlighted the State and Federal legislative program for 1999.

Dr. Jackson responded to questions raised by Ms. Fields.

Mrs. Boudreaux adjourned the meeting in memory of Mrs. Estelle Van Meter, Founder, Estelle Van Meter Center, and Mr. Rolando Enriquez Flores, a student at Grant High School.

Notes by: Dinah Edwards, Board Secretariat