HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-03-2007-11bMEMORANDUM
TO: Laura Blackmon
County Manager
FROM: James Spivey
DATE: April 23, 2007
RE: UPDATE: Hillsborough and Central Elementary School -Employment Discrimination
As update regarding whether persons have contacted the Department about employment related
discrimination, Isubmit the following:
CLARIFICATION
The issue of discrimination has been referenced as a component of the situation regarding the
Hillsborough Elementary and Central Elementary Schools. Some parents, a teacher, and an employee
attended the April 09, 2007 HRC meeting voicing concern about the existing diversity inequity in the
schools based on socio-economic statues and race, i.e., racial discrimination.
APRIL 09, 2007: JEIRC MEETING
Five (5) guests attended the HRC meeting soliciting assistance in ~ addressing issues of racial
discrimination due to diversity inequity based on socio-economic statues and race that exist between
Central Elementary School and Hillsborough Elementary School.
Concern was voiced that if Central Elementary School does not pass the Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) assessment, the School will become Title I School Improvement Status. This designation
entails the State Department of Instruction monitoring and managing the school. Additionally, this
designation will allow students to transfer to any other school in the School District and
transportation cost associated with this transferal will be borne by the School District.
Concern was voiced regarding the free and reduced lunch programs at Hillsborough and Central
Elementary Schools. Hillsborough Elementary School's program is less that 13% while Central
Elementary School's program is approximately 70%. Those present voiced concerned that these
percentages are a direct result of socio-economic and racial inequity.
Concern was voiced that Hillsborough Elementary School was allowed to operate essentially as a
private school while receiving funds allocated for public schools. This assertion is based on
requirement that an essay be written by the parent(s) of prospective HES students. It was
stated that the quality of the essay determined a child's acceptance or rejection. However,
the essay requirement has been discontinued but the residual effects of the essay requirement
are still apparent.
Staff explained that allegations of employment discrimination could be addressed by the HRC due to
a 2003 State Supreme Court ruling that the section of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance was
unconstitutional. Staff explained that the HRC is an advisory commission to the BOCC and is not a
policy making body; thus, the power of the HIZC is advisory.
Staff did explain that due to the charge of the HRC, the HRC does function as a third-party to get
parties together to discuss -and hopefully reach mutual agreement on -issues/concerns regarding
social justice.
The HRC established a subcommittee to consider the issues brought by the guests. The
subcommittee will meet prior to the next scheduled HRC meeting to report to the full body.
The next meeting of the HRC is Monday, May 14, 2007. Please let me know if additional information is
required.
/jes
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