Full Notification

Press Release
July 27, 2015
Contact: Aaron Oppenheimer, City Administrator
608-825-1193
[email protected]

SUN PRAIRIE, WIS. — July 27, 2015 — The Sun Prairie Youth and Families Commission’s Subcommittee to Assess Gang Activity (SAGA) has completed their report and is ready to present their findings to a joint meeting of the Sun Prairie Common Council and the Sun Prairie Area School Board on August 19th at 6:30 PM at Horizon Elementary School. The full report can be found on the City website at http://www.cityofsunprairie.com/DocumentCenter/View/2055.

In 2012, former Mayor John Murray requested the Sun Prairie Youth and Families Commission conduct a study to assess youth gang activity in Sun Prairie. The Commission enthusiastically accepted this charge and, with the help of over 75 volunteers, completed the study. Some of SAGA’s recommendations include taking advantage of existing resources such as providing quality out-of-school programs focusing on positive child and youth development while meeting the community’s needs for keeping kids safe and families engaged, and the possible creation of a community center with wraparound services.

In a letter at the beginning of the report, Co-Chairs Mary Ellen Havel-Lang and Aaron Oppenheimer stated, “It would be naïve to think we can eliminate either the threat or the existence of gang activity in Sun Prairie. What we will do, however, is work with school, law enforcement, business, county, faith-based organizations, service providers and other community leaders to implement and support programs that engage youth in our community”.

The report recommends that the community focus on five key priorities, which include:
1. Greater focus and increased funding for Sun Prairie Community Schools.
2. More affordable and accessible transportation options.
3. More volunteer opportunities for youth within the community.
4. Implement many of the suggestions offered by the students who participated in Reality Check.
5. Promote the development of a community center within Sun Prairie.

“These priorities along with the recommendations and information contained in this report will provide policy makers with good information to make decisions on the future of our community. Thank you to the Youth and Families Commission and all those involved in this effort for your dedication to completing this important work” Paul Esser, Mayor.