The Final Report - Malcolm Shabazz City High School, Madison WI

Decision Item #19:REDUCE FUNDING FOR THE PARENT COMMUNITY RELATIONS UNITBackground: The unit, as presently constituted, was established in mid-2001; the 2001-2002 school year is its first year; predecessor organizations included theHuman Relations Department, Minority Student Achievement Division, andthe Equity, Diversity and Advocacy Department.The unit’s objective is to respond to individual student and family needsrequiring the following types of help:• Hear parent concerns• Help parents navigate through the system, especially where language,racial, or cultural barriers exist• Serve as cultural translators• Facilitate problem solving• Follow up to ensure problem is resolved• Help schools understand the nature of the problem and develop a planof action to help students and families• Help schools become more culturally sensitive and welcoming in bothenvironment and curriculum• Help parents in connecting with community resources• Broker services to minority youth• Communicate the real needs to the Board and Administration offamilies that traditionally do not come forward to voice their concernsThe District’s enrollment composition (2000-2001 school year) have led tothe unit’s functions• 18% African American• 10% Asian and Asian American• 7% Hispanic ancestry• 7% enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) (51% of newstudents speak Spanish)• 64% European AmericanExpenditures:Revenues:FTE:$422,500 ($396,600 for salaries and fringe benefits and $25,900 forsupplies and services, including up to $20,000 for community groups foroutreach and support)None.The unit has 6 full-time positions: 5 professional and 1 administrativesupport. The team consists of the Special Assistant to the Superintendentfor Parent/Community Relations, 1 Parent/Community RelationsCoordinator, 3 Parent/Community Response team members, and 1secretary. One team member is fluent in Spanish and one is fluent inHmong.The Assistant Superintendents for Elementary Education and SecondaryEducation, Title IX Coordinator, Native American Student Advisor,Talented and Gifted Coordinator, and other staff assist the ParentCommunity Relations staff on a case by case basis when needed.Virchow, Krause & Co. LLP Page 99March 11, 2002