To Be Fair About It

To the critics - and I'm one - of the looming CPS school closings, nothing will ease the pain of shuttering the school doors.  Putting that aside for the moment, one has to take a more honest look at the actions of CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett when it comes to the upcoming closings.

Whatever actions she takes will displease many.  Upon closer examination, her manner of decision-making concerning the whole issue deserves some accolades...that's if we are being honest with ourselves.  She has read every transcript of the many community meetings held over the past few months.  The CEO chief has met with alderman, faith-based leaders and community action councils to evaluate any dangers that exist, or may exist, in specific communities.

There is plenty of evidence from quoted sources that attest to the fact that Byrd-Bennett is listening to the concerning of a good number of people.  She has already made adjustments in terms of her thinking about which schools to close.  For example, no high schools will be shut down next fall.

Along the way, Byrd-Bennett has been demanding in terms of the issue of child safety when it comes to closing schools.  It is pretty clear that this issue hasn't excaped her thinking.  Quite the contrary.

Ms. Byrd Bennett is 'between a rock and a hard place' on this issue.  The CEO will catch plenty of grief when the list of school closing comes out.  That may be the case but people ought to know she didn't simply go through the motions on this one.

Dick