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Board approves African American Achievement Initiative grants; trustees question award differences and local provider inclusion
Summary
The board approved AAMI RFP grant awards including several local providers; trustees asked why award amounts varied and urged stronger outreach to local nonprofits. Waukegan-based college-prep provider described plans to increase representation of African American males.
The Waukegan Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 14 approved the African American Achievement Initiative (AAMI) grant awards and other consent items, drawing discussion about award sizes and outreach to local programs.
Board members praised the packet materials that included application data and scoring, but several trustees asked why award amounts varied significantly between providers. Miss Gonzales and others asked whether award sizes matched evaluated need and why some local organizations received smaller awards than out-of-district applicants; administrators responded that award amounts reflected vendors’ requested budgets submitted in their proposals and evaluator recommendations.
Members urged the administration to meet with local applicants who were not funded to review strengths and help them compete in future rounds. Several trustees said the district should revive a “central partners” or convening table of nonprofits, faith-based groups and community organizations so promising local programs can scale and collaborate.
Representatives from a local college-prep organization (identified in the meeting as Waukegan College; executive director Erin Arnold and program director Laura Rios appeared) told trustees the vendor plans targeted outreach and one-on-one advising to increase African American male representation and supports, including adding a staff member dedicated to that goal.
The board approved AAMI awards as part of the consent agenda by roll call; all seven trustees voted yes. Trustees asked administration to provide follow-up briefings on program monitoring, award amounts, and options for expanding local provider participation.
