Talley Recreation Center

August 11, 2005, 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.

Present: Alderman Donna Ramsburg, Beverley Tuggle, Martyl Cifrese, George Yourick, Cindy Small, Gloria Julius, Rose Chanay, Eileen Farrar, Debbie Bostian, Bonnie Borsa

The meeting opened with introductions and Marty Cifrese began a discussion regarding the Commission’s success stories, challenges, and responsibilities. The Success stories included support for programs, grants issued to schools and a vocal advocate for issues and concerns such as renovations to West Frederick Middle School and lobbying against four-year old admission to Kindergarten. Constant contact with County Commissioners and Board of Education members regarding funding for City schools was also discussed. The Challenges included the need to recruit new members and that the lack of attendance was becoming an issue. The Commission also stated that sub-committees should be created to help with organization of projects. Discussion continued regarding how each Commission member contributed to the success of the Education Commission. Responsibilities of each Commission member were discussed in length. The unanimous decision was that all members should stay informed regarding educational issues of City of Frederick children and communicate these issues with the public as well as to City schools.

Discussion regarding new goals, strategies and action plans for the Education Commission:

They are as follows:

GOALS, STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS

GOAL: To enhance educational opportunities for all children of The City of Frederick to achieve their highest potential

Strategies: (a) Provide additional resources to promote success in academic achievement and extra curricular activities. (b) Promote special programs to enhance and compliment learning in every school community. (c) Develop partners in education.

Action Plan:

(a) Create list of grants for grant letter; continue small grants process; character counts.

(b) Vinny Hughes will revise and present Frederick 101 program for children. Evaluate grant funding from previous school.

(c) Send emails for grants. Find volunteers. Contact retired volunteers. Form a subcommittee

GOAL: Advocate for children of The City of Frederick

Strategies: (a) Increase funding for the Education Commission (b) Creation of more youth development activities (c) Healthy and safe school environments

Action Plan:

(a) Present list of requests to grant writer. Get on a Mayor and Board workshop agenda to present plan and past successes.

(b) Work with the grant writer to find funds for more youth and non- school hour activities. Create a list of youth providers.

(c) Review the updated facilities master plan. Make a recommendation about City schools regarding master plan. Tour City schools.

GOAL: Increase community awareness and involvement regarding educational issues impacting children of The City of Frederick

Strategies: (a) Media Campaign (b) Creation of Education Commission website (c) Public speakers.

Action Plan:

(a) Speak to each Alderman, contact the Frederick New Post and submit article, develop brochure.

(b) Meet with the Webmaster, update the Commission site with information

(c) Develop marketing tools (brochure, power point) presentations.

Final discussion of the meeting consisted of the appointment of Cindy Small and Debbie Bostian as co-chairs of the Commission. Grant application distribution and recruitment of new members was also discussed. The time and date of future Education Commission meetings has been changed and will now be on the third Thursdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Talley Recreation Center Historic Room on the Third floor.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 15^th, at 4:30 p.m. at the Talley Recreation Center.

Minutes submitted by Eileen S. Farrar

Secretary, Education Commission.