Historical Summer 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
RESOLUTION 2007-003 OF THE SKINKER DEBALIVIERE COMMUNITY COUNCIL (the “SDCC”) WHEREAS, the SDCC is a neighborhood organization representing the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood, which is located within the City of St. Louis; and WHEREAS, the administration of the St. Louis Public Schools (“SLPS”) has proposed to place an alternative high school for students classified as “Type II” at the facility currently called “Des Peres Middle School,” located within the boundaries of the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood; and WHEREAS, the SDCC conducted a public meeting on Monday, May 14, 2007 which was attended by representatives from the SLPS, including Dr. John Martin, Dr. Deanna Anderson, and Dr. Mulugheta Teferi and SLPS School Board Member Peter Downs; and WHEREAS, the SDCC wishes to express to the SLPS the SDCC’s position with regard to the proposed alternative high school, based on the views and opinions expressed by residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SDCC AS FOLLOWS: 1.
After learning of the proposed alternative high school, the SDCC Board of Directors were initially concerned that the SLPS was moving forward with its proposed plan without involving or meeting with the neighbors of Skinker DeBaliviere. 2.
The SDCC Board of Directors feels the SLPS should have partnered with the neighborhood instead of moving ahead with its proposed plans for an alternative school at Des Peres. 3.
The following represent opinions and concerns expressed by residents of Skinker DeBaliviere to the SDCC and to the SLPS representatives at the May 14, 2007 meeting: a.
Residents expressed support for the children of St. Louis, and residents emphasized the importance of educating children. b.
Residents expressed support for educating all children. c.
Residents expressed concerns about the uncertainty and outcomes of the St. Louis Public School system. d. Many residents expressed concerns about the proposed alternative high school at the Des Peres facility.
These concerns related to two general areas: 1) Some residents were concerned that the Des Peres location is not an appropriate facility. a.
The entrance to the school is available by only two main roads (Des Peres and Waterman), and is located on a dead end street. b.
The Des Peres building was originally constructed as an elementary school, the general facility may not be conducive to support the needs of high school students. c.
There are few, if any, facilities available for recreational use. d. Additional traffic created from driving age students entering and leaving the neighborhood. 2) Some residents were concerned that the SLPS does not have the time necessary to prepare for the opening of the alternative schools for the 2007-2008 school year. a.
To our knowledge, the SLPS has not signed a contract with the Big Picture program. b.
It was not made clear to what extent, if any the Big Picture program would be involved with the development and administration of the SLPS alternative program. c.
To our knowledge, the SLPS has not chosen teachers or administrators for the alternative school program. d.
The SLPS was uncertain as to the time required for training administrators and teachers. e. Whether there is sufficient time before the start of the 2007- 2008 school year to train administrators and teachers in the alternative program. f.
To our knowledge, the SLPS has not identified which students will attend the alternative schools. g. Whether there is sufficient time to appropriately identify students for the alternative program. h. Time required for reconfiguring the school. i. Safety concerns related to ability to maintain a closed campus. Be it resolved that at this time based upon the concerns listed above, the SDCC cannot support an alternative high school housed at the Des Peres building. ADOPTED THIS 19 DAY OF MAY, 2007.
The undersigned hereby certifies that the above resolution was duly passed and adopted by the Board of Directors of the SDCC at its meeting held on May 19, 2007. Bob Mahon, President ATTEST: Darcell Braylock, executive director, SDCC
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
