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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-24 Minutes MINUTES New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee Zoom Virtual Meeting August 24, 2021 @ 5:30pm CRAC Members present: Kathy King, Jen Johnson, Florence Warren, Lori Wainright, Evelyn Bryant, Reddgo Long Jr., Megan Mullins, Kimberly Geiger, Liz Carbone, Scott Whisnant; absent: Courtney Horton. Others: Melissa Huffman, Asst. City Attorney (COW); Suzanne Rogers, CRAC Liaison (COW); K. Sarvis, Anne Eitelman, Dr. Charles Foust, Superintendent NHCS Kathy King, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order and called the roll to establish a quorum. thth Lori moved approve minutes from July 27 and August 15 meetings with corrections as submitted by Kathy King; Evelyn seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Evelyn moved accept the agenda; Lori seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Scott Whisnant introduced Dr. Charles Foust, Superintendent NHCS. Scott referenced prior meetings with Dr. Foust where he has shared research done by UNCW that shows a decline in school performance following redistricting which resulted in schools with majority minority student population located within historically minority and low-income neighborhoods. Dr. Foust was asked to provide his insights and reaction to this research and to address how the NHCS plans to improve poor performing schools. Dr. Foust shared his position that the difference in performance by student race is about expectations. Explaining that some teachers and others have lower expectation for students at low performing schools and African American students. He pointed out that African American students in high performing schools are also not performing as well as other students, again due to low expectations. Dr. Foust explained that NHCS will provide rigorous education at all schools, hire experienced teachers, provide professional development, and improve pay for teachers at low performing schools. Questions and answers followed with CRAC members asking about teacher professional development and preparation for new teachers. CRAC members shared comments about the importance of students being in a supported learning environment that is the right fit for the student; and the need to engage with the community and ensure that parents, students, and the community understands the resources available to support students, including mental health services. Members ask about efforts to increase minority teachers, especially African American teachers. Also ask about the authority of principals to adjust “go outside the box” for solutions fitted to the situation, such as reducing class size. Dr. Foust responded that placing student teachers/interns in impacted schools is way to ensure teachers gain practical experience. He shared that NHCS is partnering with HBCUs to increase minority teachers and using new recruitment strategies to attract teachers, including African American teachers. Dr. Foust suggested that he join CRAC meeting at least once every quarter to continue the dialogue and share updates. CRAC members welcomed the opportunity and thanked Dr. Foust for attending the meeting and sharing information. The next item of business was an update on ongoing projects. Jen referred to the letter CRAC sent to City Council as approved at the 8/15/21 Special Called CRAC meeting. She explained that City Council voted on the non-discrimination ordinance upon the advice of the City Attorney, with all members except Councilman Spears voting in favor. She referred interested members to the City website where City Council meeting videos are archived. Jen reported the following: there will be a second reading of the ordinance at the 9/7/21 meeting; and the Mayor is creating a Task Force to work with stakeholders. Jen will attend and speak at the 9/7/21 Council meeting, urging Council to postpone action until a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance can be supported. The group expressed gratitude for Jen’s work on this issue. Kathy called on the nominating committee for the election of officers. Scott introduced the following names for nomination: Chair – Jen Johnson; Vice Chair – Kathy King; Secretary – Liz Carbone Kathy asked for nominations from the floor. None received, Kathy closed the nominations and called for a motion. Lori moved accept the nominations as presented and hold a vote; Florence seconded; the motion carried. A role call vote was held and all CRAC members present voted in favor of the slate of officers. Discussion about the City appointees and applications for CRAC appointments followed, with direction to Suzanne to contact the City Clerk and inquire about the City Appointment Committee’s schedule for filling vacancy and if the committee considers applications on file or if interested persons need to apply again if they already applied. Jen moved the meeting adjourn, Evelyn seconded, motion carried. Minutes prepared by Suzanne Rogers PURPOSE: The committee was established by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington City Council for the purpose of addressing community issues involving prejudice or discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, creed or religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition; informing the Appointing Authorities and other organizations of their findings; and making recommendations, in an advisory capacity, to the Appointing Authorities and other organizations, as necessary.