BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
Attendance:
A. Antoniak P K. Gurl P J. Li P P. Bellenbaum P D. Harris P W. Schubert P F. Brown P L. Hill A S. Turet P E. Felder A T. Jackson E N. Zephyrin P R. Freeman P F. Jean E
P = present, E = excused, A = absent
Guests:
K. Hedstrom
***MINUTES***
The meeting began with introductions by the chairpersons of new and existing members of the committee.
Presentation and discussion with representatives for STAIRS Academy (School of
Technology & Arts Innovation Reaching for Success), a new charter school that is tentatively looking to open in District 15, and is considering Red Hook as a potential location.
STAIRS presentation of K-5 charter school proposal for 2019 opening. Emphasis on “flipped classroom” that expands learning opportunities to home – includes pending necessary technology and “blended learning” that combines learning from technology in the presence of a teacher. 5 key philosophies: 1. Culture – building positive community 2. Literacy – writing across curriculum 3. Technology – focus on STEM and coding 4. Arts – adds to positive and creative community 5. Health – healthy food provisions and more movement than city standards
Focus on Sunset Park and Red Hook because there is a shortage of school seats in Sunset Park. (More charter school applicants from Sunset Park than seats). STAIRS leadership thinks these areas could benefit from a school like STAIRS – including focus on restorative circles.
Hope for maximal buy-in from students and families for ACE (Academics, Choice and Extension) Club - afterschool (with weekend and summer options) of targeted feedback from teachers about
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each student’s homework help need (3:00-4:30pm) then fun choice activities (4:30-6:00pm) such as food growing, cooking, jewelry making, sports, among others.
STAIRS presenters emphasized that charter schools are also public schools, but governed by the State (vs. NYC Department of Education) although funded by DOE funds.
STAIRS set accountability goals at 75-100% success in areas such as literacy and math covered by standardized testing. Significantly higher than highest city levels (57%).
Admissions requirements set to match neighboring public schools (in terms of factors such as income status or special needs). STAIRS would include all DOE special needs services with additions, such as music therapy and integrated learning. They expect to have two educators in every classroom with class sizes of 20 students (grades 1-5) and 15 for kindergarten.
Request from STAIRS for connections to respective communities. Youth/Human Services/Education committee could set up meeting inviting community members. STAIRS committee will come back to the YHSE committee with requests for support.
Other Business Kara Gurl requested correction of the minutes of the meeting held on June 28, 2017 to show that she was present. There was a quorum present to approve the minutes from that meeting with the correction.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
The minutes were submitted by Anna Antoniak.
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