Item Coversheet

ALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD AGENDA ITEM


Item Title:Resolution No. 2016-2017.48 Declaring Alameda Unified School District as a Safe Haven School District (10 Mins/Information)
Item Type:Information
Background:

On November 8, 2016, voters in California and across the nation participated in the democratic process by casting votes that determine political leaders and public policies and expressed strong support for public schools by embracing bilingual education through Proposition 58, strengthening funding sources through Proposition 55, and modernizing school facilities through Proposition 51.

 

Alameda is a diverse community in the San Francisco Bay Area and is noted for having over 72 different languages spoken in AUSD's schools (including Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and many others). Approximately 11% percent of approximately 9,500 AUSD students were identified as being born outside the USA and/or immigrants to this country, 17% were identified as  English language learners, 27% of students qualified for free and/or reduced lunch, and a clear majority of AUSD families and students identified themselves as people of color.

 

Alameda Unified School District has partnered with many different civic agencies (e.g., The Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth, and their Families (ACCYF), The City of Alameda, The Alameda Chamber of Commerce, Alameda Education Association (AEA), California School Employees Association (CSEA Units 27 and 860), Alameda Education Foundation (AEF), Alameda PTA Council, and Alameda Family Services (AFS)) this past year to promote a public awareness campaign, spearheaded by our LGBTQ Round Table and affirming our collective commitment to the idea that “Everyone Belongs Here” and that we all must work to confront all forms of hate, bigotry, and bullying in order to counter intolerance.

 

Youth and families across the district, county, state, and nation have already experienced increased levels of hate speech based on their national origin, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation before, during, and after the election in an America still not free of hatred. Tonight staff present a draft resolution declaring AUSD as a "Safe Haven School District" in order to safeguard the public we serve and uphold the values of our organization.

Goals:Build nonprofit, business and philanthropic partnerships
Fund:
Fund Codes: 
Fiscal Analysis

Amount (Savings) (Cost):


n/a
Department Budget:n/a
Recommendation:This item is presented for information and will return to the Board for approval at a subsequent meeting.
AUSD Guiding Principle:#1 - All students have the ability to achieve academic and personal success.| #3 - Administrators must have the knowledge, leadership skills and ability to ensure student success.| #4 - Parental involvement and community engagement are integral to student success.| #5 - Accountability, transparency, and trust are necessary at all levels of the organization.| #7 - All employees must receive respectful treatment and professional support to achieve district goals.
Submitted By:Sean McPhetridge Ed.D., Superintendent

ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
Safe Haven Resolution12/20/2016Resolution Letter