Flint Community Schools Superintendent Speaks to Rotary
by Dawn Hibbard
Our speaker July 24 was Kevelin Jones, Superintendent of the Flint Community Schools (FCS). He talked about the challenges the FCS have faced in recent years, and the four-pronged approach to renovate, rebuild, repurpose and re-energize the district for the future.
He said the strategic priorities are:
Scholar focused – all decisions will be made with support of the whole child in mind
Teaching and Learning – creating an environment of continuous improvement, that includes new curriculum programs and teacher training.
Culture and Climate – the district is focused on building a culture that promotes excellence.
Staffing – recruiting and retaining staff, he reported there are 40+ new teachers joining the district this fall.
Finance – align the fiscal resources to support high levels of teaching and learning while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Recent improvements he cited include an academic partnership agreement with the Michigan Department of Education for students achievement in Math and Literacy, right-sizing the district from 11 school buildings to 8 in three years, and demolishing 4-5 derelict school buildings.
Additionally, the district recently renovated four schools, the Brownell STEM Academy, Holmes STEM Academy Middle School, Doyle-Ryder Education Center, and Potter Elementary. Through a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the FCS has replaced and upgraded all the elementary school playgrounds in Flint. The playgrounds
President Domonique Clemons and FCS Superintendent Kevelin Jones
were a community co-design project facilitated by the Flint Center for Educational Excellence, and engage students, parents, and community members in designing unique playgrounds to fit the needs and preferences of each school community.
Part of the Brownell and Holmes renovation included construction of The Cube, a multi-purpose building used for school-day programming, afterschool programming and community events and meetings. There are tentative plans to build additional Cubes at other Flint schools currently in the works.
And, the most exciting news was about the new Flint High School. Mr. Jones shared renderings that highlighted historical preservation elements, new traffic flow solutions and he talked about a comprehensive curriculum that includes vocational education. Demolition of Flint Central is underway, and the new Flint High School is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2028.
Welcoming a New Member
We are thrilled to welcome a new member, Adam Reigle. Adam is a real estate agent and Flint resident. He was sponsored by David Smith.
Please take time over the next few meetings to introduce yourself to Adam and help him feel at home.
Left: Adam Reigle and President Domonique
Honoring New Paul Harris and Jack Hamady Fellows
Mike Chaffee, Kimberly Aldrich, and Ray Gist, our honorees
July 24 was a big day for recognizing the contributions of some of our members. This included a Paul Harris Fellow and Jack Hamady Fellow presentation, both of which Past District Governor Mike Chaffee bestowed upon Kimberly Aldrich. In addition, he was recognized as a Major Donor. Past President Ray Gist was also recognized as a Jack Hamady Fellow.
Paul Harris Fellows are recognized for giving $1,000 either all at once or cumulatively to the Rotary Foundation. For Mike Chaffee, this was his PHF+8.
Jack Hamady Fellows are similar to Paul Harris Fellows, but their contributions of $1,000 benefit our local Flint Rotary Endowment Fund.
Speaking Up When Noticing Stereotyping
The following is an excerpt from "5 Ally Actions," a weekly newsletter from Karen Catlin at Better Allies. You can sign up for the newsletter here.
“It’s taking longer because the decision maker is older and more cautious.”
I heard a leader make this comment during a recent virtual meeting.
My first instinct was to let it go. I had another meeting starting soon. This leader was someone I respected. He was thoughtful and empathetic. Maybe it wasn’t worth bringing up.
But I try to practice what I preach.
So, as the call was wrapping up, I asked the leader if he could stay on the line for a few more minutes because I had something I wanted to share with him.
After everyone else left, I said, “I hope
you’re open to some feedback” and then summarized what I had heard him say. I pointed out that he had reinforced a negative stereotype about older people, and that while I didn’t think he meant any harm, he sent a subtle message to others on that call that it’s okay to assume older folks are going to be slower and more cautious with decision-making or other aspects of their job.
I added, “You could simply have said the decision was taking longer than expected, without attributing it to their age.”
He nodded in agreement and sincerely thanked me for the feedback.
It reminded me that these conversations don’t have to be confrontational. A respectful conversation after the meeting can be enough to help someone notice a stereotype they hadn’t realized they were reinforcing.
I hope you’ll do the same the next time you witness one.
Happy Birthday, July Rotarians
Lennetta Coney held down the fort as the lone July birthday Rotarian present. However, we sang "Happy Birthday" to our full roster of July Rotarians.
July 2- Sue Martinus
July 2- Lynne Hurand
July 2- Paul Wenstrom
July 5- Vic George
July 7- John Henry
July 9- Joel Arnold
July 19- Curt Collier
July 19- Amy Anderson
July 22- Lennetta Coney
New Member First Reading
Name Classification Proposed By
Wayne Pennell Business Services- Workforce Development David Smith
Members wishing to comment on proposed members must do so in writing to Club Secretary Ellen Echols no more than two weeks following the second reading.
Next Up: July 31- Fifth Friday at the White Horse at Noon
August 12 at the Food Bank at Noon- Stephanie Worth from Voices of Winged Warriors
Volunteer and Giving Opportunities
District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
There is another volunteer opportunity the same weekend- with the Ally
Photo booth at a previous Crim race
Challenge. Volunteer slots are available throughout the week of August 24-30- you can sign up here.
