http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/a ... ts-to-get/

Evansville schools need to find ways to get Hispanic parents more involved in their children's school activities, and the city should organize a festival to celebrate the Hispanic culture, local leaders told a representative of a state commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs recently.

Those were among the ideas discussed Friday at the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs' regional meeting. Executive Director Amy Mendoza said the state's Hispanic population is continuing to grow, especially in rural areas surrounding Indianapolis. Evansville's Hispanic population is estimated at 1,665, according to the commission.

Alfonso Vidal, president of the Evansville-based Hospitality and Outreach for Latin Americans (HOLA), said that number is much greater. He believes there may be as many as 8,000 Hispanics living in Vanderburgh County. Vidal is also the governor's appointee for the commission.

The commission studies economic, educational and social issues affecting the Hispanic community. Their research and studies are presented to state leaders and the public.

One problem area in the Hispanic community is the high school dropout rate. More than 50 percent of Hispanics statewide don't finish high school, Mendoza said.

"The achievement gap is such a complex issue," she said.

The commission is also trying to find ways to increase the number of Hispanic-owned businesses. Mendoza said there are only 64 state-certified Hispanic-owned businesses. Vidal said there is only one in Evansville.

The state has also pushed for an increase in the number of Spanish-speaking government employees at government offices.

The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. recently hired a bilingual social worker who is Hispanic, said Cathlin Gray, executive director of strategic planning and school community council. Gray said she hopes the social worker will help identify issues among Hispanic students in Evansville schools.

Gray said parents of Hispanic children are very interested in their children's education. But Vidal said some parents may not know how to get involved because of the language barrier. Vidal said he was hopeful the city could organize a Hispanic festival to celebrate their heritage. Gray said those are the kind of events that help keep Hispanic families in Evansville.

A statewide conference on Hispanic/Latino issues is slated for Oct. 16 at the Sheraton Hotel & Suites in Indianapolis. Titled "Empowering Hispanic/Latino Hoosiers for a Stronger Indiana," the conference will focus on leadership, immigration issues, education, health, business, economic development and social issues. For more information, call (317) 233-5048


What a crock of bull!
Our local govt. knows full well what our citizens want, and yet, they keep pushing these parasites down our throats.