09-18-2001 Workshop Meeting•
•
•
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL ISSUE
The Village Council held a Council Workshop on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 commencing at 7:35 PM
in the Village Hall Conference Room. The following individuals were present: Mayor Davis, Greg
Ullman, Bob Blum, Prospero Herrera, Tom Benton, Richard Sarafan, Barbara Fugaz7i, the Village's
Consultant, Kathy Wilbur, and a number of residents. The purpose of the meeting was to allow Council
members to informally discuss issues conceming the possibility of opening a charter high school in Miami
Shores Village.
Mayor Davis opened the meeting and asked for someone to initiate the discussions. Mr. Ullman
summarized what he believed to be the items to be discussed and on which a consensus, if possible, be
reached.
Individual Council Members expressed their views on the viability of opening a charter high school. It
was the consensus of the Council to move forward with opening a school for the 2003 school year. It was
also the consensus of the Council to have the Village solicit RFP's for the EMO. Lengthy discussions
took place regarding the timing of the application submittal: October 1, 2001 or October 1, 2002. The
question of time deadlines precipitated a debate on whether an RFP should be issued prior to submitting
the application. Each Council Member, as well as Mr. Sarafan and Ms. Wilbur offered their opinion and
rational.
Another topic of discussion was the proposed site for the facility, with a number of the Council Members
indicating that the Village should seeks alternative locations. The Council Members also voiced their
thoughts on whether the Village should own/lease/control the location which is ultimately selected to
house the school. A number of the Council indicated their preference for the Village to own/lease the
building, indicating that it would provide the Village with additional control over future situations.
Mayor Davis opened the floor for public comment.
Jim McCoy
Leon Newman
Ted Kretzchmar
T.F. Chambers
Vince Schafmeister
Elisabeth Romanik
Mr. McCoy expressed his concerns of what would happen if the Village did not
use Chancellor Academies or if the Village looked at other sites for the school.
Mr. Newman spoke about the prior statements that the school would not cost the
Village any money.
Mr. Kretzchmar indicated his preference for the Village to supply the
application by October 2, 2001.
Mr. Chambers stated that the Village should own the facility.
Mr. Schafmeister urged the Council to move forward.
Ms. Romanik asked that the Council go slowly as there are too many legal issues,
etc to deal with. She stated that the Council had the reputation of the Village to
uphold.
• Gus Maragliano Mr. Maragliano stated that the Village should submit the application 10/1/01.
•
•
Bekky Leonard Ms. Leonard indicated that everything is a risk and that the Village should move
forward.
Jack Rengstl Mr. Rengstl spoke about the number of financial issues that remain open and his
belief that they should be discussed.
Paul Regensdorf Mr. Regensdorf asked the rhetorical questions - Will a significant number of
Village students attend - Does the Village really want to run a school? He stated
his opinion that professionals should be hired.
Steve Johnson Mr. Johnson indicated that the Village should move forward.
Mayor Davis closed public comment.
A brief discussion summarizing the points of the Council Workshop ensued. The Council Workshop was
adjourned at 9:22 PM.
Barbara A. Fuga77i, CMC
Village Clerk
Page 2
Al Davis, Mayor