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I I I I . 5. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS I l- A. City/School Liaison Committee Presentation of Community Partnership Project to Improve Redwood City School District LibrarylMedia Centers. (209) Councilwoman La Berge, member of the Council's City/School Liaison Committee (with Mayor Hartnett and Vice Mayor Howard last year, and now Vice Mayor Howard and Councilman Ruskin), advised that improving Redwood City schools has been and continues to be one of the Council's top priorities. Councilwoman La Berge described the partnership proposal first initiated by Chris Bohl, member of the Redwood City School District Board, who brought it to the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce. The Educational Committee of the Chamber embraced the idea and helped to mold it into the current proposal. The three-way partnership of the City, School District and Chamber will, over a three year period, provide $1,694,400 to create modern library/media centers at each of the District's schools. Councilwoman La Berge stated the City of Redwood City was being asked to approve the expenditure of $225,000 over a three-year period to provide a LibrarylMedia Specialist who will be a contract employee under the direction of the City's Library Director and its - Reading Services Division Manager. Councilwoman La Berge urged her colleagues to support this bold new partnership, and show the support needed so that foundations and potential business donors will support it with grant funds. Councilman Ruskin, member of the City/School Liaison Committee, stated this was a great opportunity to foster economic development in Redwood City as well as promote the welfare of children and families in the City. Councilman Ruskin expounded on the causes and problems in urban schools, and the need to involve the economic community in creating solutions. He described the proposed three-way partnership as first rate, and described how the City's support would be a catalyst for attracting funds. Councilman Ruskin also described the yearly assessment component of the proposal and the maximum three year commitment by the City. Vice Mayor Howard, member of the City/School Liaison Committee, echoed the words of her colleagues and described the many benefits the City would receive ITom its investment of $75,000 per year. She described the Council's commitment to children, and the partnership's focus on finding other funding options. Vice Mayor Howard said the proposal was a win/win situation for the City, Chamber and schools in Redwood City. - Special Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 January 22,1996 Page No. 025 Page 5