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Joint School Board No. 623/City Council Work Session <br /> Monday,June 26,2012 <br /> Page 15 <br /> School Board Member Thao noted the perception among some students and community mem- <br /> bers that the Fairview facility was not as well kept as the High School; and the "worst" kids <br /> were sent to it. Ms. Thao noted that it was an issue with equity perspectives. <br /> Dr. Thein concurred, noting that future discussions at the School District level would need to <br /> include how to upgrade facilities for the District as well as the community. <br /> Mayor Roe and Dr. Thein observed that this timing seemed to mesh with current discussions <br /> and planning. <br /> Councilmember Willmus opined that a community center was a definite partnership opportuni- <br /> ty between the School District and City. <br /> School Board Member Langston opined that, while it was good to agree that the Fairview facil- <br /> ity as seen as a community building, it was prudent to also see it as a school facility. Ms. <br /> Langston opined that she wanted assurances that the discussions stay grounded in what the <br /> purpose is and how that challenges classroom achievement groups, specifically that those part- <br /> nerships include classroom sizes and needs. <br /> Community Pathways B-2 and Other Routes to Schools <br /> School Board Members and Councilmembers concurred on the need to improve safety and in- <br /> crease pathways and sidewalks throughout the community, as well as partnering in how to pri- <br /> oritize those needs city-wide. <br /> School Board Member Langston expressed her concern, beyond County Road B-2 to areas <br /> along Lexington experiencing excessive speeds while pedestrian are attempting to cross. Ms. <br /> Langston addressed sidewalks along only one side of main school routes; better lighting needs <br /> on major and side streets; and partnering on resources to accomplish them. <br /> School Board Member Azer addressed seniors wanting a walkable community; in addition to <br /> addressing childhood obesity; opining that the community had changed from the original "car <br /> town"built in the 1950's. <br /> Councilmember Pust briefly reviewed the history of the County Road B-2 pathway develop- <br /> ment; and noted that the City was willing, and at one time federal dollars had been received to <br /> help fund it; however, the community, or neighborhood was not interested due to infringing in <br /> their yards and/or assessment costs. Councilmember Pust assured everyone that the City <br /> Council was and had been definitely interested in addressing this serious safety issue. <br /> Councilmember Willmus noted that, while the lighting part had not necessarily been addressed, <br /> it wasn't that long ago that the City had attempted to pursue this, but neighbors not interested <br /> due to assessments or front yard issues. Councilmember Willmus noted that this was a huge <br /> part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process. <br />