Members Present: Anita Fernandez, District 1 Representative
Albert Uresti, District 3 Representative
Julius Lorenzi, District 5 Representative
Philip N. Taele, District 6 Representative
Cristina Bazaldua-Salazar, District 7 Representative
Paul Martin, District 8 Representative
Maryann Jarrell, District 10 Representative
Member Absent: Lester Bryant, Chair, District 2 Representative
Staff Present: Ana Acevedo, Education Policy Administrator, City of San Antonio
Others Present: Jessica Rios, Health and Fitness Partnership Manager , SA2020
1. Approval of Minutes from May 12, 2015 Meeting
Anita Fernandez motioned to approve minutes. Philip seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
2. Reporting and discussion regarding education program updates [Ana Acevedo, Education Policy Administrator, City of San Antonio]
Jessica Rios, Health and Fitness Partnership Manager, SA2020, began the updates by sharing that SA2020 is scheduled to release a report commissioned by the Talent Pipeline Task Force in July. The report found that in San Antonio there is a middle skills gap. Middle skills jobs require more than a high school diploma but less than a 4 year college degree.
Jessica also shared that the SA2020 website was going to be revamped with the icons showing how cause areas are connected to each other, and how they move the needle. Another update Jessica reported was that SA2020 was partnering with United Way on Ready Kid SA. Ready Kid SA is an electronic hub where the community can access information and resources for children 0-8 years of age.
Paul and Anita asked where and how Commissioners could plug into the SA2020 initiatives. Jessica shared that SA2020 was exploring a possible partnership to work in the area of youth development. The idea is to develop a one-stop shop for teenagers. This work is in the early stages, so Jessica thought that there may be a role for Commissioners to be part of that initiative. There was also some discussion of how SA2020 relates to SA Tomorrow. SA2020 was a community vision for the year 2020, and SA Tomorrow is a community plan through 2040. SA2020 supports SA Tomorrow.
Cristina shared that Univision was in the midst of the planning for the second Feria de Educación. This is a community education event specifically catering to the Latino community and Spanish-language audience. There was much discussion about what the Feria offers and what the Latino community and Spanish-speaking community needs.
Paul invited everyone to the September 17 Constitution Café event at East Central High School. He shared that this event has grown from 150 to 500 participants.
3. Discussion and future actions [Lester Bryant, Chair, District 2]
In Lester’s absence, the Commission had a discussion about what it wants to accomplish in the future. Comments surfaced around the mission and objectives of the Commission. Albert asked if the Commission has had success in the past, and what did it look like. Cristina asked what are factors of success. Anita wanted to know how the Commission could make connections with critical outcomes in mind to make something happen. Paul suggested that the Commission review the by-laws at every meeting to help with clarity and action. Albert suggested that the Commission choose three things to focus on.
4. Announcements
No announcements.
Paul motioned to adjourn the meeting. Anita seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 1:07 PM.