* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Development of a National Student Bill of Rights
FOR the purpose of endorsing and supporting the effort by the Baltimore Algebra Project to develop local proposals for development of the National Student Bill of Rights and commending the Baltimore City Youth Commission for convening a Citywide Youth Forum to discuss and debate the rights to be locally adopted.
body
Recitals
WHEREAS, The Education Committee of the Baltimore City Council conducted a public hearing on Thursday, November 19, 2009, with representatives of the Baltimore Algebra Project (BAP) and other attendees, to learn more about the growing impetus among students across the nation to formulate a National Student Bill of Rights; and
WHEREAS, The overriding theme of this effort is to establish the right of our students of all ages to secure a quality education that prepares them for jobs in our knowledge-based economy, in secure, sound, and sanitary school facilities that use updated textbooks and provide a variety of extra curricular activities - including athletics and free driver education - as well as diverse, fulfilling, and home-cooked school meals for breakfast and lunch; and
WHEREAS, Although not yet endorsing this growing effort, the Baltimore City Youth Commission dispatched representatives to the Education Committee's hearing to report that the Youth Commission has agreed to convene a Citywide Youth Forum in City Hall, at a date and time to be forthcoming, on the National Student Bill of Rights initiative, which it invites City Councilmembers to attend; and
WHEREAS, Although the Baltimore Algebra Project has initially proposed a set of rights for discussion and possible adoption, BAP has at this stage requested that the Baltimore City Council support and endorse the effort itself to develop a National Student Bill of Rights, although not necessarily every "right" on the table for debate and possible adoption; and
WHEREAS, For the City Council's information and consideration, the Education Committee has agreed to conduct individual hearings in early 2010 on the following 4 proposed BAP issues:
* Expansion of eligible time limits on MTA/Student bus passes, for which the Education Committee has helped lay the groundwork;
* The need for driver education as part of high school curricula in Baltimore City Public Schools;
* The overwhelming request for home-cooked school meals and adequate portions for older students, a proposal in sync with School Food Director Anthony Geraci's initiatives and goals; and
* Broader access to youth employment for Baltimore City Public Schools' high school students, some of whom must now drop out of school to support their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Baltimore City Council does hereby endorse and support the effort by the Baltimore Algebra Project to develop local proposals for development of the National Student Bill of Rights and commends the Baltimore City Youth Commission for convening a Citywide Youth Forum to discuss and debate the rights to be locally adopted.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Baltimore Algebra Project; the Baltimore City Youth Commission; the Mayor's Youth Liaison; the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Baltimore City Public School System; and the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools.
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