They held a joint meeting with the School Board and later asked a district employee to speak about the impact of poverty on student achievement. City leaders have jumped on that letter as an invitation to participate in the debate about what the district should do when court-ordered busing ends. They have acknowledged that, under that plan, St. Petersburg is likely to have all-black schools. Bowen expects to have a resolution by Dec. 15, so a meeting with the City Council will be scheduled before then. Fischer and City Council Chairwoman Bea Griswold have made it clear they want the city to present a united front.
Council members have quite different, and sometimes opposing, views.
During the two-hour session, several School Board members in the audience muttered to themselves and sighed. Council member Kathleen Ford wanted to hire an attorney so the city is prepared to intervene or appeal the School Board's actions. They appear to want to listen now that we're talking about suing. Council member Jay Lasita wants the council to have a meeting with Escarraz, and council Chairwoman Bea Griswold wants the mayor to take a leading role. Council members Frank Peterman and Ernest Fillyau favored hiring an expert so the council better understands available post-busing options.