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a family fun night and requested a list of activities which might be successful. Trustee Hintzke discussed a possible fundraiser which involved a tribute to the Beatles' music. Amador Valley H.S. student Melissa Ott shadowed the Director of the Parks and Community Recreation noting that she visited the Alviso Adobe Community Park and the Firehouse. She recommended that students participate in the YIG every year. The topic of her focus group was school. It was their hope that teachers would recognize all that goes on outside of school. Collaboration between departments regarding homework assignments was a suggestion; focusing on quality as opposed to quantity of assignments, noting that points and grades would become more meaningful and that tests should be given at finals time, not immediately after learning the topic. She stated students would like the ability to give comments or feedback regarding the evaluation of teachers. Vice Mayor Thorne asked about actual hours for homework. Councilmember Cook Kallio also commented that parents need to be aware of the amount of homework their students have. President Grant stated the homework policy and guidelines should be reviewed periodically and would support feedback boxes. Trustee Hintzke asked Melissa to review the Board policy on homework and e -mail her feedback. Village H.S. student Taylor Audrey Sweitzer stated she shadowed Julie Duncan and feels every job is what you make it. She noted the YIG program is a great opportunity for students and would be honored to participate again. The focus area of her group was extra- curricular activities, with time constraints being a major concern. Community activities, club sports, a recreation center or YMCA and the affordability of these activities are issues. She commented free classes and activities as possibilities. Mayor Hosterman and President Grant congratulated and thanked the students. Both the Council and the Board spoke in support of the YIG program. YOUTH MASTER PLAN UPDATE: Nelson Fialho summarized the history of the Youth Master Plan (YMP) and introduced Kathleen Yurchak, Community Services Manager. Kathleen presented an overview of the YMP along with students Rahael Borchers and Daniel Zakaria noting that they are in the process of updating the plan. Credit was given to Councilmember Cindy McGovern who continues to be very actively involved in the YMP since 1998. It was noted that the youth in this City have a lot of activities but not much down time to relax. Mayor Hosterman noted that we are in the process of looking at software to put everything on one master calendar and stressed the importance of unstructured time. The film "Race to No Where" has been reviewed by Kevin Johnson and is attempting to purchase the film for staff and community viewing. The film was made locally and is regarding achievement pressure on youth, pre school students on up. It was noted it is a great discussion starter and will be made available at the library. Vice Mayor Thorne offered City and District Liaison Committee involvement. Councilmember Cooke Kallio suggested having a student on the School Board. Trustee Arkin stated she has been on the YMP as a library representative and noted it has been an amazing journey. President Grant thanked Cindy McGovern for her involvement in starting the YMP twelve years ago. UPDATE REGARDING DISTRICT AND CITY BUDGETS Overview of School District Finances Dr. Casey introduced Luz Cazares, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, PUSD, who presented a big picture overview of the budget challenges and solutions. She summarized the State continues to face economic challenges and the impact of the Governor's budget proposal in FY10/11 for school districts is sizable. PUSD is currently faced with $6.9 million budget shortfall. In addition, the PUSD positioned itself to make an additional $1.1 million in spending reductions to address the City Council School District Page 2 of 4 March 22, 2010 Joint Meeting Minutes