Connecting Us - Sustaining Progress (CUSP)

CUSP Education Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday June 25, 2020 Idaho Falls District Office Board Room 690 John Adams Pkwy Meeting called to order at 6:35pm Those attending: Michaelena Hix, Pat Tucker, Tomm Larson, Marie Giraud, Shannon Taylor, Catherine Black, Lori Barber (From College of Eastern Idaho), and Alice Allen (From University of Idaho in Idaho Falls) Topic of Interest Presentation Catherine Black of Idaho State University in Idaho Falls, along with Lori Barber and Alice Allen presented on the colleges here in Idaho Falls. The state of Idaho encourages Local Operations Control (LOC) among schools within the same proximity to collaborate, rather than compete. This helps students get into higher education wherever is best for them. The three colleges in Idaho Falls offer very few of the same programs, and they have different strengths. Remediation classes are offered for free to help students bridge gaps in their learning. Work is being done to integrate those students and promote progress rather than stagnating in remediation. A common trend in our community is students with poor learning mindsets (example, “I'm not good at math.”), especially among women and minorities. One recommendation to the city would be updating their education website (See page 6 of the handout for the current website). Expanding the page with more up to date information and links to the different colleges would offer higher ed as a valuable resource and a reason to live in our community. Transportation is another setback for many would-be students in higher education. Debrief Topic of Interest Presentation All agreed an updated and maintained education page on the city website would be beneficial. Perhaps an intern could be assigned to that project. Transportation is a concern for education, and Michaelena will communicate with the chair of that committee to see how we can work together. While the city is limited in involvement with education, they can champion education. Including early childhood education, K-12, higher ed and lifelong learning. They can encourage a positive attitude towards learning. Another important potential recommendation is that the city maintain programs and attitudes that are working well and are of benefit to our community. An ongoing education committee that can continue to work with the city is another great recommendation. There may be the possibility that certain city taxes (hotels) could be set in place or reallocated towards education. Overview of Timeline for Recommendations and Committee Work Feedback on how our meetings are going and a broad list of recommendations for our committee are requested by the first week in August. Michaelena will put that information together. Tomm Larson will collaborate with Aaron Johnson to discuss any recommendations for what businesses in our community need from education. Our next meeting will likely be in September, with details yet to be set. Meeting adjourned at 8:24pm