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e - e Mr. Boles said there is a perception that this kind of behavior is often exacerbated by the kind of freedom that is promoted around an open campus. He wondered to what extent the problem was a function of the open campus. Ms. Moseley felt strongly that the issues should be separated. Mr. Sorenson said that schools shared Mr. Boles' concerns. He said there was no question that the district had to review the present structures, but clos- ing campuses in the short term was not realistic. Mr. Boles explained that it was difficult to hear the board's urgency without any attendant board action that is under its control, such as closing campus- es. Responding to a question from Mr. Robinette, Mr. Sorenson said that there is a significant number of transient young people who hang out at the perimeter of the schools, causing a significant problem. One never knows what will occur as you approach one of those cars. He said that new people in the community have brought with them a different perspective, requiring an ad- justment to the Eugene perspective or adoption of a new one. Responding to Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Nichols there is some preventive intervention happening in middle schools, and this will likely increase. In response to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Sorenson said that today's survival skills for students include the ability to deal with people from many different socioeconomic backgrounds. Mr. Boles expressed his willingness to separate the two issues. Responding to his question, Ms. Nichols said that ESD helps support the use of what used to be called "truant officers." Mr. Boles wondered how effective the old "Cops In Schools Program" was. Mr. Gleason felt it had been very helpful in allowing the City to begin work- ing directly with principals and teachers, and allowed officers to have di- rect contact with students. He said it was important for intimidated stu- dents to have someone in authority to speak to. Ms. Moseley said she believed today's problems would be lessened had that program not been terminated. Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Mr. Green, to authorize $40,000 to underwrite a contract with School District 4J with respect to a Public Safety presence in the schools. The motion was unanimously passed; 6:0:1, with Mr. Green abstaining due to a possible conflict of interest. There was concern that $40,000 would not be enough to run an effective pro- gram. Mr. Hill felt confident that the program would have positive results, given the support of school supervisors and the community. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. March 4, 1992 Page 7