Community Build Grant – Session #1

Agenda

I. Welcome & Opening Remarks

II. Why We Are Here: Defining the Educational Gap

III. School District & Administrator Perspectives

IV. Educator Perspectives: Inside the Classroom

V. Student Voice: Nothing About Us Without Us

VI. Parent & Community Perspectives

VII. Closing the GAP: Solutions & Commitments

GAP

  • G – Growth: Improving academic achievement & measurable student outcomes
  • A – Access & Accountability: Expanding access to resources, opportunities, programs, & transparent performance measures
  • P – Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration among students, parents, educators, administrators, businesses, and the community among the community

VIII. Community Questions & Open Discussion

IX. Closing Remarks & Next Steps

Notes from Birt Johnson:

First, my thoughts:
* We must provide students with planning and preparation in a structured manner.
* We must expose students to the opportunities of success (e.g. internships with a strong future, not just jobs)  
* As a student I was motivated to learn by “real growth” opportunities in present day successes.
* Establish partnerships with local businesses offering future growth (i.e. Joby Aviation). Request their support fund classroom instruction/equipment and standards for employment.
 
What I heard from others:
* Utilize/copy “Best Practices” from other school districts or community colleges.
* Do not compete for limited resources (funding, instructors) among our selves.  Allow specific schools to offer selected programs.  
* Everyone does not need to offer same the programs to be successful.
* Grow our own instructors and build loyalty.
 
Barriers to Success
* High cost of living in the county, without the budget to support staff/instructor salaries to compete with other areas.
* Having to negotiate or coordinate with the Labor Unions is a major hurdle.
* Families are not equipped to support present day needs of students.
 
My Observations
* Leaders are responsible and accountable for solving Problems and Issues.
* Leaders are present and available; they are in tune with their work environment and often anticipate change.
* Leaders are strategic planners; involving the appropriate members to lead and provide timely success.
* Finally, Leaders manage the exceptions.  If the entire “work force” knows and performs their roles, there would be no requirement for leaders.  Leaders manage change when things aren’t going well (exceptions).
* Change must be led with compassion and transparency while treating all persons with dignity and respect.

Progress Report: The Monterey County Branch NAACP 1049 continues to make meaningful progress toward the goals and
objectives supported through BUILD Grant funding. As part of this effort, the Branch has begun hosting a series of
Education Forums designed to bring together key stakeholders to identify educational challenges, strengthen
community partnerships, and develop sustainable strategies that improve outcomes for students throughout
Monterey County.
To date, the forums have included participation from local school district superintendents, the Monterey County
Superintendent of Schools, the president of a local community college, a representative from the California State
Council on Developmental Disabilities, parents, concerned community members, nonprofit organizations, and
elected community representatives. This broad participation has created an important platform for open dialogue
regarding educational access, student achievement, family engagement, available resources, and the barriers that
continue to affect students and families across the county.
The Monterey County Branch NAACP 1049 has scheduled three additional Education Forum sessions for the
remainder of the year. These sessions will intentionally focus on capturing the perspectives of students, the
concerns and experiences of parents and families, and the professional insight of teachers, administrators, and
other education stakeholders. Information gathered through these discussions will help identify common priorities,
service gaps, and opportunities for coordinated action.
Moving forward, the Branch will use the Education Forum series to transition from discussion to measurable
collaboration. The goal is to establish stronger partnerships with like-minded nonprofit organizations, educational
institutions, public agencies, families, and community leaders to develop practical solutions and clearly defined next
steps. Through the BUILD Grant initiative, Monterey County Branch NAACP 1049 intends to serve as a convener
and catalyst for sustained community engagement, accountability, and collective action that supports equitable
educational opportunities and improved outcomes for all students.

SESSION #1
September 10

SESSION #2
October 15

SESSION #3
November 19

SESSION #4
December 17