Nearly 175 Barton Elementary School staff, students, friends and families made their way to CPS headquarters last night to protest the board's planned action to make Barton a turnaround. To hear both the board's presentation and that of Barton's one would think they were living in two different worlds.
The board representatives constantly talked about how Barton is low in performance compared with area schools. It was a mathematical presentation the likes of which would move a Calculus student or actuarial to salivate. The board's presentation was simply a quantative anaylsis and missed the point completely on the qualitative side. Sadly, those present were told how poorly they have performed over recent years. How insulting for CPS to declare Barton to be a failure and headed for turnaround status.
The 'powers that be' have decided that a fully utilized school (642 students) with rising ISAT test scores (a 9.6% increase over the past two years) and a veteran staff with a dynamic principal are all to be dismissed in the discussion.
Speaking of the principal, Mr. Gettridge (and his asst., Ms. H.) have made great strides at Barton in the past two years. After-school activities abound, staff are motivated and work very long hours and parents can attest to the academic progress being made as well as the care provided to the children. The litany of tutoring, mentoring and other activities made available to the Barton students was quite moving.
As I walked out of CPS headquarters and saw the American flag waving, I thought to myself, if there is any justice this school will be left alone and not made a turnaround.
Dick
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