AR 081908 Diploma Bound Initiative

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF August 19, 2008 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR PRO TEM AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: Executive Asst./Council Office Manager Adelfa F SUBJECT: Diploma Bound Initiative DATE: August 12, 2008 BACKGROUND: ITEM #2 Mayor Kelly Chastain has attended the Diploma Bound Planning Committee Meetings and is introducing this progress report to the City of Colton. The Diploma Bound Initiative was created to review research, engage in discussion and develop a regional approach to abating dropout rates in San Bernardino County. The Diploma Bound Planning Committee's focus is on a regional initiative recognizing the importance of reducing high school dropout rates and creating a regional approach to mitigate the impacts of dropouts. The committee is comprised of agencies, business people and citizens committed to the elimination of social inequities which are directly correlated to educational achievement. In their continued efforts, the committee is now asking cities across the region to become members of the Diploma Bound Initiative. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: The Diploma Bound Initiative addresses one of the most serious situations confronting our school system—an increasing number of students dropping out prior to their high school graduations. Compared to high school graduates, high school dropouts have been statistically shown to earn lower wages, pay fewer taxes, are more likely to commit crimes, are less likely to be employed, are more likely to be on welfare and are less healthy. Recent reports suggest that graduation rates in San Bernardino County are increasingly becoming one of the lowest in the State of California, suggesting an increasing need for a regional approach to mitigating dropout rates. The whole community benefits when all children and youth are successful in school and they reach adulthood with the knowledge, skills and values to realize their full potential and participate meaningfully in the world. The attached Resolution communicates the City of Colton's partnership and support of the Diploma Bound Initiative. By partnering in the Diploma Bound Initiative, Colton officials are able to review research, engage in discussions and contribute to developing a regional approach to abating dropout rates in San Bernardino County. The next Diploma Bound Committee is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at the Roy C. Hill Education Building located at 601 North E Street • San Bernardino, California 92410. For questions please contact Christopher Concepcion at 909-384-5133. 7/10/03 City Clerk's Office Cb