001[Music] Good evening everyone and thank you for attending the equity committee committee meeting today, April 7th. Um the time now is 5:37 and is there any public comments? Nope. All right. Well, let's go ahead and begin. Um, again, thank you for your time, Dr. Chapman and Mr. Johnson. Um, Mr. Johnson, would you like to begin? Or Sure. Miss, um, I'm sorry, Dr. Chapman, did you want to Okay. Thank you, uh, Madame Chair. Yes, Mr. Johnson is still on the, uh, hot seat here to continue his conversation. So, um, turn your mic on, please. I would imagine if if it's okay, I I I want to spend a little bit more time talking about um our partnership with um Stark State. So, uh, let me let me go back here. A lot of this a lot
002of the work that we're trying to do through through Stark State is really to identify opportunities where we can create um, we can close gaps for our employees using the frameworks that we've talked about already. So, data wise is is our is our big is our big thing in in the district. This is step two. But in the bottom, you'll see the the mindset for what's the term for that? Portrait. The portrait of an employee. Can I can I say the whole thing or the portrait of an employee? You just lose language now. So, um, focusing on the optimism, um, empathy, creativity, uh, community and adaptive mindset. So, as you're listening to this next piece and Dr. Chapman and I are just going to bounce back and forth in this opportunity. I want I just
003want to make sure that that work is elevated because if we are not all of these things at the same time, I don't think we arrive at at this at what I believe is a really nice opportunity for a public schools and our students and our um our teachers or soon to be teachers. So to dig a little bit deeper into this reimbursement, currently this group has a reimbursement strategy of x amount of dollars where if they're a pair professional as part of this group, they can apply for reimbursement of courses. So long as these courses are approved and increase their professional job skills to prepare them for a promotion. Essentially, if they're going to be they're a pair professional or they're going to go to be a teacher, this is an opportunity for them
004to do that using the funds that we've set aside from for their contract. as it was, as I stated before, this was they'd have to pay for their they' have to pay for their courses and then apply to the district and then the district would reimburse them and then a lot of times that reimbursement didn't come after it came after their next semester's courses. So they would have to pay for fall semester in real time and then spring semester and then their tuition reimbursement would come sometime after that. In conversation with Dr. Chapman, uh our goal was how can we create an opportunity that minimized um that closed the gap for these participants and get them to a place where they can be full-time teachers with a public schools. We believe the attrition rate it
005we would not have an issue with attrition because they're already in Akan public schools. Some of these some of these pair professionals are pair professionals for five, six, seven years and now they're interested in taking their career to the next level. Um that link there is the exact contract language. The partnership with Stark State, Dr. Chapman and I met with Stark State last month and essentially I started off on a little bit of a pitch with Stark State and I'm not going to say they interrupted me, but they were like, "Sure, yes, here's what we can do. We'll wave the fees that they will have to pay. We'll build the we'll build the school system and the school system will pay us for their for their courses." Now, they have to get a C plus
006or better. they can the maximum they can take per credit is per semester is 12 hours. All of all of those things are stipulated in their contract. All of that still remains, but Stark State said we're going to do that and we'll explore a cohort with you. We will also identify one person from Stark State from our organization to support the students on this runway. So, this doesn't get them this won't get them fully through a bachelor's degree, but it will it will this cohort will get them a jump start into their bachelor's degree with um with a public schools. I'm sorry, with to get them with a with a bachelor's degree so that they can be a teacher in a public schools. Dr. Chapman, do you want to add anything? Yeah. So, um, Madame
007Chair, um, my interest is primarily in how we're providing access and opportunity, and that is my interest, whether it be students, families, uh, or our staff. And so I thought and wondered that the upfront barrier of paying for tuition and then getting reimbursed for lower wage earning staff would possibly eliminate the opportunity for some. And so when you think about access, the question was, how do we make the program more accessible for folks, easier to access while also creating the opportunity? And the big thing in the room was, can we figure out a way to address the upfront payment of tuition? And so Dr. Parah Jones, shout out to Perah Jones, Dr. Jones and her team uh were willing to have that conversation with us and it didn't take long for them to say yes
008at all. It was what can we do? How can we do it? We are interested in doing it. Um the other part of this is the value in being part of an advisory council with Stark State. So we didn't just call them up and say, "Hey, can you do this?" This is years of a relationship with Stark State as members of their community advisory council. And so I just want to underscore the importance of relationships in our community and establishing those networks of support so that when things like this come up, we have a person that we can go to who is at least willing to listen. And that is the work of opportunity access looking at the way our institution addresses an issue pipeline to education issue. That's the work. You're looking at me
009like you're done. Yes, that was your part. Okay. Well, I will uh just say shout out to Stark State. Um they have done some amazing things, especially since they've come to the city of Akran. I know with my employer that um our employees um and their families can go to Stark State. Um so that's a wonderful opportunity. Um I did have a question that I wrote down. Um, so with you had talked about in our instructional policy, you had talked about um the contracts that if you want to become a teacher, it's like, you know, after you go to school and everything and you have a three-year contract with APS. Is that the same for pair professionals, too? No. Okay. Does the pair professionals going through this process as just a student wanting to work
010in APS, become a pair professional, go to Stark State, um are we looking at a plan or procedure to keep them here as well as once they graduate? Yeah, I I think this is just a longer recruitment runway for us. So, if you go back to our theory of change, if we can recruit and retain dot dot dot dot, this is part of that. This is this is a partnership for us with them to make sure that they have an opportunity to find and meet their their dream goals to be a teacher and that we can support them on that on that journey. Any other questions? Okay. I do just have one more question. I know and Miss Carly, I know we talked about it also. Um, as far as recruitment and things like that,
011um, uh, far as the jogs program, um, and Miss Carl, Miss Dr. Chapman may have already made you aware of our conversation. Um, have we looked into some of our students that are, you know, currently graduating, graduating, unemployed, unlisted, and unenrolled as, um, and between 18 to 24 year olds to work in Akran public schools. not technically as a pair professional but whatever name we choose to create um give them employment where it's not coming out of the funds of APS right but giving these students an opportunity to work and then see if eventually they may want to be a pair professional or not um so like how could we and I know you're here also um thank you um to see how we can partner with jobs and then become a pair professional to
012become a full-time employee of the APS. So are there, if I can reframe that just are there opportunities where students can explore employment chances in a public schools on their way to determining if this is a viable option for them? Yes. employee wise. I'm I'm sure and I don't want to step on I don't want to step on too many other programs just yet because as you know we are in discussion for at least one program. We're on we're on the same committee for one program. So I'm sure there are opportunities that exist um that are in development where that opportunity exists. Okay. Yes. And per your request we asked Mrs. Ebrite to come and share how jogs works in our system because we do have an established relationship. Yeah. Yes. Thank you. And uh
013Dr. Chapman's exactly right. We do have an established relationship that we've been for several years now. And I think what you're asking for, if I'm correct, is those kids who have graduated who are still part of the jogs program and youth space. How are we bringing them into APS into uh as an employee of jog and to sort of field and try out those experiences here? And I think that's a natural next step. Uh you know, they've done a lot of work servicing our kids. Akan public schools in human resources officially became a jog partner. We've been partnered, but that they became a partner in their database to place students. Um, we typically obviously look at our current pathway students, our high school seniors, juniors, uh, sophomores to do those, uh, the placements that we're
014doing within our schools. But I do agree that the probably the next level of work would be looking at how those graduates who are still part of their programming are coming in and um, having some of those internship opportunities through Jog here in APS in that youth employment space. So that yeah, the really great relationship with Jog and the work that they're doing now. Okay. Thank you. Does that help? Does that answer to the question you were looking? Um, yeah, but I can revisit it. I can Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Moving on to the what is it? The April 16th Advisory Council. Yes. So, um wanted to report on the continuation of work in our system around supporting our staff who touch children. And so on April 16th, we
015are convening for the last meeting of the year, our advisory council, formerly our DEI advisory council, now called advisory council. And these are the 30 plus employees that I've talked about for the past three years who have helped us to craft our work plan around equity in the district. Um they represent every single division minus a couple in the district. And so on the 16th at the last meeting of the year, our advisory council will have a working session with Big Picture Learning. And that is kind of a big deal to have a nationally recognized organization choose us at no cost to come and facilitate um a session with our advisory council members. And so the focus of that session is going to be on inquirybased and realworld learning experiences. It will center as a
016problem of practice guys and gals community partnerships. And the reason for that is that we understand in our community that there are grassroots organizations who serve our children, our scholars who don't always make good connections to the work we are doing in the district. And so they may not be as familiar with our learning models, the strategies we use for instruction, how to engage with educators and staff in buildings. And so Big Picture Learning is bringing their national director of community engagement along with their ash leaders to Akran on the 16th and we're going to work through this problem of practice around authentic community engagement through inquirybased learning. And so today is the last day to register. This has gone out to the community as well as our advisory council. And I believe at last
017look we were at about 25 folks attending that event. So if you wish to do so, please scan the QR code that you have there on your flyer and complete the registration form and drop in if you're available. Any questions for me? Any questions? I think this is a wonderful opportunity especially to partner with guys and gals. someone that created this is locally bred here in Akran. So, um that's a big deal when you're from Akran doing the work in Akran and just giving back to your community and then for us to actually see that person and hear that person and want to partner with them is an amazing opportunity. Um this is a quick meeting, huh? Yeah, if I may. Um, uh, Jerome Moss of Guys and Gals Community Partnership was a, um, member
018of the Big Picture Learning Asha Fellows cohort. And it is an amazing experience for young future leaders to go through. And so, uh, Big Picture Learning recognized the potential of this organization being a critical partner in our community as they serve our young people. And so, I'm just happy to be a part of it. I've been in relationship with Big Picture Learning for the past year and a half. And again, back to relationships and leveraging those partnerships that we have to do things for our district. And so the board actions is the next section, madame chair. So the board actions here says upcoming board recommendations for approval of between Stark State University and Akran public schools. Um and then also board recommendations for approval of a non a no cost contract with the big picture
019learning um at the uh April 14th which is next Monday meeting. Um and when things have no cost and it's a great opportunity for our kids um that goes without saying yes, right? Especially when it benefits our kids. But we'll see at our next board meeting. And then also um I know that um board member Molinar and board member Sykes um did a lot of work on uh creating a new policy. So that has to go um to the board next Monday to to vote. So um that's next meeting. Huh? You have It's actually Sorry, uh Madam Chair. I think it's actually in legal policy. Legal policy. It's in legal policies. My apologies. Yes. Sorry about that. Moving things ahead. Huh. Just doing the work. That's what we have to do is just continue to
020do the work. Um are there any other items um madam co-chair that you would like to discuss for next meeting? Um I just want to say thank you for pulling this agenda together. I know it was quick because we had um for anyone just tuning into this meeting um the instructional policy committee meeting was right before this. So the first half of Mr. Johnson's presentation was in the meeting before this. So if it felt like we picked up in the middle or at least twothirds through we did please go back and watch that previous meeting because there's a lot of information there for us. And I also want to say um I agree madam chair um the nocost contract with big picture learning is a great example of the fruit of the partnership and the
021work and the time and the efforts of the team to be able to do that and I if I heard correctly they came to us so we didn't even have to do all that much begging for this no cost no cost if I may. Yes. Uh I have monthly meetings uh sometimes more with uh Dr. Son Sam of the uh Big Picture Learning Organization and they were so impressed. Shout out to Marcy Ebrite and her team. They were very impressed with our inquirybased framework and we're actually rolling that out now uh with principal learning sessions and I'm a part of that presentation team but they were so impressed with the framework in the Akran public schools around inquirybased learning and because their expertise is in realworld experiences and work-based learning it was a natural fit
022natural connection We already had our advisory committee ready to go. They were looking for this captive audience to work with and these are folks who can learn and use and apply the information that they'll share. So Marcy will be a part of that. She's going to stop in. Um Mr. Johnson's going to come and check that out because it will also feed into and inform his work. And so making those connections. Yes. Yes. So, thank you again for all of that because no cost does not mean free. There was significant investment that was done to make this happen. So, thank you to everyone involved in this effort. And I also want to say thank you for the organization of this agenda too to let me know um not just what you're telling me, but why
023you're telling me I'm going to need to vote on something. So, I really appreciate this section here. Um the board action for uh 23.4 it looks like big picture learning as madam chair said and then theou stark state we don't we don't have a date on that yet but we'll you'll but as soon as we have one it will be it will be there. Yes. Yep. So thank thank you for your efforts in here too to remind me what you're what you want me to do. Thank you. Okay. Well, again, thank you all so much um just for this information and like co-chair Mullen or the board actions that's very helpful um so that we could you know also let our colleagues know that this is coming about makes things a little easier to move
024smoothly. Um next board meeting is May 5th, 2025. If there's no other questions or anything we can Oh, you have a She has a question now. Well, and I apologize. Thank you. Um, Madame Chair, I was not at the last uh equity committee meeting. And so I I guess my question is around the naming of the committee. Um, so I don't know if that was uh discussed at the last meeting or is that a future item? Um, I know some uh another letter may or may not have possibly went out as well. So, I just wanted to say that out loud because all of this DEI stuff is still unfolding every day as we speak. And so, I know I get a lot of inquiries still and I tell people our our policy actually technically
025still stands um until the board takes, you know, further action on it. Um, but as far as the name, um, I just wanted to inquire about that. You can go ahead. Um, yes. So, at the last equity committee meeting, we did um, what's in the minutes here? We did finalize um, the equity committees, the current equity committees, um, recommendations for a new policy. It is not necessarily a replacement policy especially if someone is searching for the term replacement policy um it is a new policy and in that policy there is a new name for the committee included. So, um, all of that was brought to the legal committee and so the legal committee, um, as as the legal committee has it, if that policy passes, it would change the well, it would not change the
026name of this committee. It would actually end this committee and then start a new committee. um if if that follows through. So the legal policy committee usually does first reading committee, second read, full board, third read, full board passage if the legal committee or other board members, majority of board members would like to suspend the rules and expedite that. If the majority of the board feels that we need to do that, that is the option for that and the renaming of the committee and the policies. Is that everything? I think so. Thank you for that. And to your question about something else coming out I think three days ago uh maybe three or four days ago uh the US department um is escalating fight against DEI K through 12. So um to your question yes
027something else did come out about that. So by you stating that um this will totally end the equity committee and something else is created. We just have to make sure that um and I know you guys did a lot of work on that. Um that it does not look like or seem as if we did word smithing and different things like that because we can get deemed and we don't want to lose our title one funds um of what $84 million. Um so we just have to be mindful of that. So anything else? And I'm sorry, what what was the name or the proposed name? I will have to look that up if it's not handy. You can It's right, Madam Chair. I do the other like duh. She's sitting right here. Hello. It was
028comprehensive institutional oversight committee. Okay, thank you Dr. Chapman. And sorry, just as a reminder, as we are all reacting um or processing, not reacting necessarily, but processing um information coming from the layers of government um state and federal um both um that while we do have the typical procedure through the legal policy committee, I I will say that I am happy and comfortable with what this committee move forward if we were to need to suspend end the rules or do something um quickly it is ready but I right now it is completely 100% in the hands of the legal committee to do that this committee has moved it forward that's it okay all right so we can go ahead you have a question I'm sorry did you have something to say it not a question
029madam chair if May um on today I had the opportunity to review a community engagement committee presentation uh offered by SUMA health around uh the challenging landscape on DEI and they did such an excellent job with their legal council in laying out every single single one of the I don't know it was 70 pages of executive orders and providing the overview the actions that should be taken what is legal and what is not and the cases that have occurred as a result of those executive orders. And it made me wonder if it is something we might consider for our board and our employees. Um because it was presented with the expertise of legal guidance in that particular area of work and I had not seen anything like it. Um, I have reached out to my
030counterpart at SUMA to get more information about whether or not that can be shared uh because it was work of the community engagement committee. And so I'm not sure if that could be shared, but it was insightful, informative, and accurate in its representation of how we should be thinking about moving forward. I just wanted to add that. Thank you for that. And I would love for our legal council to be at our meetings as well as our committee meetings so that they can share insight as we move along also. So thank you for that. So when you find out, please let us know. Um I don't want to say a German again because we talking. So anything else? Go around the table. Mr. Johnson, anything else you want to touch on? No. Okay. Dr. Chapman,
031Dr. Merrick, I'll just say since we keep me mentioning the legal policy, that meeting is April 21st at 5:30. I will say because this is the equity committee still, April 21st is Easter Monday. And so I we I might recommend that we examine Easter Monday as and it's not only APS spring break, but it is um a major holiday for a lot of people. So I just want to mention that nurses me either not government. So, April 20th, Sunday, April 20th is Easter, but Oh, that's Easter Monday still recognized. But we're Are you Is APS closed that day? Yeah. Yeah, they're closed that whole week. Oh, you guys are closed that week. Okay. Okay. But the administration, you guys are open. You're still We're still working, right? Okay. Okay. We can figure that out. We
032can do that off the record. Figure that out. Okay. Um Well, there's nothing else to discuss. Thank you for a wonderful equity meeting. I love that we're back here talking about our students and how we can advance our kids and um create our own our own um cluster of peer professionals and future teachers here at Akran public schools because what other what better place not to live, work and play in Akran with Akran public schools. So thank you. The time is now 6:08 and we can adjourn for the evening. Thank you. [Music]