Comprehensive Schools Meeting Minutes Outline Wednesday, February 7th 2007

Comprehensive Schools Meeting Minutes Outline

Wednesday, February 7^th 2007

Introductions

Doug Conner 9^th District Councilman                                        doug@connerbrothers.com

Eli Wong 9^th District Liaison                                                      assistant@connerbrothers.com 

Carol Wolf: Richmond School Board member              wolfies@aol.com

Dr. Yvonne Brandon – Assistant Superintendent, RPS  ybrandon@richmond.k12.va.us

Roy Reynolds – Comprehensive School Initiative                      royreynolds@comcast.net

John Cates – Virginia Auto Dealer’s Association                       jcates@vada.com

Joel Adler – J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College  jadler@reynolds.edu

N. Maurice Holmes – RTC                                                       nholmes@richmond.k12.va.us

Purpose

Mayor got 10 million dollars for vocation school & charter school
Governor supports it as well as Delegate Frank Hall with $450,000 to pilot with this program.

We would like to have a pilot program in Richmond as and other example from the state.  Start by looking at regional applications from the areas surrounding Richmond.

Goals

Vocation schools to work with each other and specialize in sharing resources.

How to effectively use 10 million dollars that was provided for vocation education.

Find out what students want after graduating from High School?

To supply the need assessments of businesses and industry.
Be prepared for the demand for skilled/specialized labor in the Richmond region in the next 20-30 years (long term).

Discussion

Autobody Trade & Legislation examples.
Existing technical center’s resources.

Demand for skilled labor from companies.  I.e. Phillip Morris, Verizon, trucking companies.

Entrance requirements for charter schools. i.e. literary levels & computer proficiency

Marketing to promote school.  Is marketing efficient use of funds?

The impact of the Standard Of Learning exam(SOL).

Rapid Response, Rapid Recovery, internships, learn the skill while achieving the degree.

Schools in surrounding counties to participate in Richmond when they feel that they have good high schools?

Action

Build a strategic plan. 

A business approach: What businesses are willing to come and voice out their needs for skilled workers.

Doug: Speak to and invite businesses to speak about the demand for types of skilled trades.

Next meeting date: Wednesday February 21^st at 9:00AM.  2820 Hull Street.