June 11, 2002 - Baltimore City Public Schools

Board Meeting Minutes
communication. A lot of times we don't receive communication in a timely fashion. And we're just
asking and hoping that everybody will work on that one. It's real important to us. The next thing we had
was, we did have SET training, and it was a success. We want to thank Dr. Tildon for coming, Ms. Ann
Curski, Council for the students. We really took a risk. We really believe this, you know. We hear you
talking about reform at the top, you know, changing policies and changing the way you're doing things.
Well, we're about changing the hearts of parents if we want to be a success. You can spend all the
money you want; until you reach the parents, you're just putting it in the pot and you're burning. We
took a risk, and we went out to parents that's in recovering drug -- you know, recovering drug addicts.
Because we feel as though these are the parents that most -- that really most impact our System. You
know, you listen to -- you all hear the same music. They have identified 60,000 drug addicts in
Baltimore City, 95,000 kids in Baltimore City Public Schools, so you do the math. It's a lot. It's a lot.
And it really impacts us. What we did is we kind of formed an informal partnership of our camp
weekend. The parents were engaged. They were real happy about it. They took a pledge to become
parents. Don't ask what the pledge was, because it was on the spare of the moment, I guess, but they
took it. And what it basically said was this: To become a better parent, get involved in their children's
education, and just be the best that they can be. But we all know that that was just the beginning. We're a
parent group of volunteers. And, yet, you rob us coming back, part of the legislative league to ensure
parents -- I mean, ensure parent involvement in community outreach. You don't know what your
definition of it is. But I'm hoping that part of it will be involving parents with something real simple.
Nothing real complicated; just real simple things to get back involved with your child's education. They
really need it. One thing we did learn, and I think Dr. Tildon will agree, is that the parents were willing.
Once they get to a point that they're dealing with their ills, they become aware, they become aware, and
they are willing. Nothing too complicated, but they're willing. And it takes an ongoing effort. You know,
you can't just say, hey, we have this one thing and drop it there. It won't work. We have to have
something ongoing, continuous, and to make it work, and that's the only way to be successful. It takes a
lot. It takes -- as you saw, we had Dr. Tildon, a Board Member, there and Ann Carusi, Area Officer, you
had the parents, you had Council for the students. It takes a group effort for everybody working
together. So we are really hoping that you all will embrace it. And a lot of times, you know, we're
speaking, and we never receive things back. I apologize I don't have it written down, but this is an
initiative that we're putting in your court. It does work. The parents are willing. You have witnesses,
right? And a lot of times you don't respond back. But this one, we're going to need to hear back from
you. Because I've talked to the program, and I'm confident the recovery programs in Baltimore City,
they are willing to add a parent piece. But it has to be simple; you know, nothing too complicated.
They're willing maybe to come in, send some people out once or twice a week, or once or twice a
month. And just, hey, this is what education is about. Check the child's homework. The things that you
do, your child reflects at school. So you need to have a positive attitude around your child. You need to
come up to the school. You know, basic things, just basic. But they're willing. So now the ball is in your
court. And I'm going to say thank you.
MS. WELCH: Thank you. Mr. Tildon?
MR. TILDON: Well, I just would like to -- I wanted to underscore Mr. Gains' leadership is
phenomenal. And he had, what, 500 people there. It was an overwhelming experience, I can tell you
that.
MR. GAINS: Thank you.
MS. WELCH: Don't lose that.
MR. GAINS: I won't.
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