A Report by School Board Member and Committee Chair Judith Brooks-Buck, Ph.D.

 Myths and Hoaxes (Berliner and Glass, 2014, p1) One of the hallmarks of myths is that they are greatly influenced by self-interests... Hoaxes are of a different stripe. A belief that the believer knows to be dubious still might be pushed because it stands to greatly benefit the believer.

  A letter dated May 21, 2014 was sent from Mayor Linda T. Johnson regarding the establishment of a “Joint Taskforce” made up of two School Board Members, two members of the City Council and the Finance Directors from the City and the Schools.  The letter also indicated that the Mayor, Chairman of the School Board, City Manager and the School Superintendent could not serve on the taskforce. Historical Background

  By June 12, 2014, the School Board Chairman responded to the letter with the names of the two School Board Members and one alternate who would be a part of the proposed “Taskforce”.  On June 18, 2014, Mayor Johnson responded with the names of two Councilmen and an alternate.  The first meeting of the group took place on  November 21,  There was a four month lull in the process. Establishing the “Taskforce” and remaining within the parameters of the law proved to be a challenge. Historical Background Continued

 From “Taskforce” to “Advisory Committee ” The name change was believed to be a better indication of the work of the group.

  To create a forum that provides for, and promotes the identification of potential cost savings through joint efforts between the City of Suffolk (hereafter referred to as “the Council”) and Suffolk Public Schools (hereafter referred to as “the Board”). The CFC Committee operates within the parameters of VA Code § Appropriations by county, city or town governing body for public schools. The CFC Committee claims no legal authority to control or modify policies or procedures of either party. Purpose

 1)To identify potential cost savings that result from joint projects between the City of Suffolk and Suffolk Public Schools; and 2)To provide information to the Council and the Board that will give members of both groups the opportunity to determine whether or not the recommendations can or will be implemented. Objectives

  Suggested projects will be recommended to the Mayor and Council and the School Board Chair and Board Members in a letter signed by the CFC Committee Chair and the Co-Chair;  The leaders of Council and the Board will identify staff and determine potential costs and benefits regarding proposed projects; and  The Council and the Board will determine when and how details will be presented and set timelines for discussions of specifics. Methods of Operation

  Energy Performance Contracting  Joint Insurance Programs and  Returning the Mt. Zion property over to the City and the identification of shared space Key Projects

  Staff members from the City have always been present during the committee meetings: however, few meetings have included pertinent dialogue from anyone other than the Council persons and School Board Members.  Staff members from Suffolk Public Schools have been invited to, and have attended subcommittee meetings where their presence was pertinent. Staff Participation

  Initially, School Board Members and some Council persons indicated that this effort would aid in the development of a more positive working climate.  At this juncture, making unfounded accusations cannot and will not enhance relationships.  Contrary to what has been circulated in the realm of local media myths, the School Board, Mayor and Council have sustained a positive working relationship through its Education Committee for over a decade. Committee Relevance

 Recommendation My recommendation would be that the relationship between Council and the School Board should be continued through the vehicle of the Education Committee. Creating an atmosphere of mutual respect among leaders is much more productive than the climate that exists in the current working group.