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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 14, 2011 Page 10 Roseville, or data identified by the 55113 zip code; with Dr. Thein advising that there was very little difference in the data: 33% and 35%respectively. Councilmember Pust sought data related to Special Needs students versus General Need students, with Chair Edstrom advising that across the District and across the School system, the percentage of Special Needs students was 13-14%, which was very comparable to neighboring school districts, as well as being very representa- tive of surrounding areas and across the State of Minnesota. Councilmember Johnson sought a breakdown of information on students of color in the elementary grades versus high school grades; and asked Dr. Thein's expe- rience in whether those numbers transferred to the higher grades or if the mobility factor voided any consistencies. Dr. Thein opined that it should transfer, since the District was experiencing fami- lies moving into Roseville looking for the same things sought by families 50 years ago: a great community in which to live; a great place to raise their children; and good schools. Dr. Thein further opined that in the next 5-10 years, the communi- ty would become even more diverse. Dr. Thein identified immigrant families as being very conscientious about their children's education and promoting the "great the American dream," more so than many middle class or higher income families; and that those students had superb attendance records and were serious in knowing the need to receive a sound education. Councilmember Johnson noted the annual trends for free/reduced price meals and questioned if the data indicated a delayed response to the recent recession; or if the program was not fluid in 2008 and just now just responding. Dr. Thein responded that historically schools often lagged behind the economy; and with the strong growth in those trends evidenced in elementary grades, it was probably due to young families having had to struggle more over the last few years, indicating that those young families needed just a little assistance to stay current. Dr. Thein noted the vast number of colleges in the area, including the University of Minnesota, Northwestern College, Bethel; and the number of mar- ried students in affiliated housing or area apartments or homes, attempting to ad- dress school,housing and school costs for their young families. Chair Edstrom noted that the numbers were not inclusive of every family in the District who would probably qualify, as the District was aware of families not ap- plying even if they met income guidelines. Dr. Thein concurred, noting that if they would apply, it would actually help in funding the programs, as that funding was compensatory and title money was tied to it.