LPS, city partners, sponsor Community Conversation Part 2: Nov. 5

Originally published on: November 3, 2009

The second session for the Community Conversation – to address and identify solutions to increase the high school graduation rate at Lincoln Public Schools – is set for 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Lincoln High School, 2229 J St.

In the first citywide initiative of its kind, community citizens came together in October to talk about high school graduation, and the discussion will continue in Community Conversation, Part 2.  The goal of the initiative is for the community to come together and develop recommendations for dealing with major issues that impact students who drop out of high school – issues that often go beyond classroom walls.

“The graduation rate at Lincoln Public Schools is well above the national average,” said Susan Gourley, superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools.  “We have a good graduation rate, a very good graduation rate.  But that is not good enough for Lincoln Public Schools.  We want a great graduation rate.”

The second session will feature a panel of experts, followed by small group sessions focused on creating possible community solutions and recommendations for improving the graduation rate.

The panelists are:
•    Marjorie Kostelnik, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
•    T.J. McDowell, director of the Clyde Malone Community Center
•    John Neal, director of secondary education at LPS
•    Terry Macholan, director of Student Services at LPS.

The event is sponsored by the Lincoln Board of Education in partnership with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Chapter of the United Way and the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, with additional support from more than 30 community organizations.  Leadership Lincoln is facilitating.

No advanced registration is necessary.  Doors at Lincoln High open at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting is free and open to the public.  Please use the front door; parking is available north of the school.  Handicapped accessibility is at the northwest door.  Interpretation services will be offered at the meeting.