Yesterday I made mention of the fact-finding CPS commission that is investigating the 'method' to be used in determining which schools to close later this spring. I also said that one of its recommendations is to not close any high schools due to gang related issues.
I don't disagree with this point. Using this parameter in addition to other 'on the ground' realities should also be used by the commission. What they would find is that there are plenty of indicators which should lead the commission and the CPS brass to close very few schools.
Let me touch on some other issues, beyond the gang situation, that ought to be examined.
The commission needs to understand that neighborhoods need an anchor. The school is often that unifying force. Beyond that fact, if the school has a 30% or 40% rate of empty seats but it is succeeding test score wise or by growth, that school needs to remain open.
A school should not be closed if a new administration and new staff has been put in place in the last year or two. These people have to be given a fair chance to lead. Closing a school just because there are empty seats is no justification for a staff, with a relatively new beginning, to have the plug pulled. Right now, this type of instability is far too rampant in the CPS system.
The CPS hierarchy needs to attend to many of this critical points in assessing which schools will close and which are to remain open.
Dick
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