The Council’s meeting today began at 7:30AM.  The Agenda was focused on budget allocations for the coming school year.  All budget items were approved by unanimous roll call vote.  I was thrilled to join these unanimous votes as they were all dedicated to continuing to fund a world class elementary school experience for students.

I did pause and raise a point of inquiry: I wanted to understand if there was, or even if there could be, consideration in the school merchandise pricing to Disney students or families below the poverty line.  I am still unfamiliar with that matter, so I will continue to explore this question.

Marianne Lalonde, a candidate for Alderman of the 46th Ward, which encompasses the Disney school area, was present as a visitor.

The votes I took today do not just benefit our school and the students: they benefit our communities impacted by Disney.  The presence and proximity of and to schools can be a great gain for a neighborhood in so many ways.

To that last point, we as a neighborhood can do our part, not just to make the Disney school area a safer place, but our to help our own blocks as well.

I will be exploring the possibility of organizing neighborhood cleanups, not just for the school, but very importantly for the surrounding Disney area.  Just as the neighborhood benefits from a well organized school, the school can benefit from a well organized neighborhood.

If some of us express interest, I will be reaching out to Disney school area’s Alderman, James Cappleman, Ward 46, as to inquire if any city ordered cleanup gear could be provided for a community clean up.

Looking forward,

Dan