KPLU Local News
(2010-02-22)
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Stevens Elementary students in Seattle. (AP photo taken in 2004).
AP Photo.
Twenty years ago, the newly elected Mayor Norm Rice kicked off his years at city hall with a similar idea, and with great success. So, following McGinn's rise to office in November, he asked Rice to co-chair his "Youth and Families Initiative." Rice says the grassroots premise behind the effort works.
"Go to the people, and find out what they feel and what they know. Then take what they've given us as a way to shape a plan."
Thousands took part in Rice's 1990 "Education Summit." It generated ideas on how the city could help kids succeed in school, everything from health and wellness to dropout prevention programs. And it gave birth to a way to fund them: Seattle's Families and Education Levy. It's been renewed three times since then. Rice says it's ready to refreshed before it goes back to voters next year.
"Are the priorities we had in the past the priorities going forward? Can we really close the gap between disparities of Latinos, African Americans and our immigrant community as they relate to education, versus everybody in the city."
For his part, Mike McGinn says bridging the racial divides between the city's north and south is a priority. Speaking at a recent public school gathering, McGinn says the questions of inequity in school success have to be addressed.
"Why aren't we delivering the results we expect for children, not just in school, but in the community at large? If we ask those tough questions and say what should we do different and build that support, then maybe we can try some new things."
McGinn is tapping more than just experience in Norm Rice. The former mayor's new job is president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation, a generous funder of youth and education programs. Rice says plans that come out of the public process may fit quite nicely with the Foundation's priorities, a suggestion that good ideas won't live or die by a voter-approved levy alone.
Joining Rice as co-chairs for the project are Bob Watt, a former deputy mayor under Rice, and El Centro de la Raza's Estela Ortega.
Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
Initial Community Meetings Schedule:
February 22 - Rainier Community Center 7:00-8:30 p.m.
March 1 - Northgate Elementary School 7:00-8:30 p.m.
March 8 - Van Asselt Elementary School 7:00-8:30 p.m.
March 15 - Denny Middle School 7:00-8:30 p.m.
March 22 - Garfield Community Center 7:00-8:30 p.m.
For More Information:
Youth and Families Initiative website (Seattle.gov)
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