That's Better

I was pleased to learn that a couple of positive things are taking place within CPS and some of the neighborhood areas that have much to do with the schools.

On one front, Representative Bobby Rush and Senator Kirk took a tour of the Englewood neighborhood. Though these two disagree about a good deal including the structure of area gangs, both acknowledge the need for assistance to the community. Rush commented that "we need jobs, we need jobs." For his part, Kirk proposed granting anyone who invested in commercial property a 10 year waiver of federal taxes. It is clear both men know the despair that too many live through day after day.

I was pleased to hear that the CPS brass is dropping the use of 'probationary' with respect to the poorest performing schools. In the past, there were three levels for rating schools, the lowest two tiers were considered probationary. Now, schools are put in one of five tiers, the lowest two will be classified as either 'provisional support' or 'intensive support.'

Finally, it was great to see that just 65% of the rating of elementary schools will be based on standardized test scores. The old measure leaned on test scores at the rate of 86%. Great to see that someone is coming to their senses when it comes to understanding that the value of a school far exceeds standardized test scores.

Dick

March On!

Perhaps Jitu Brown, reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization said it best when he described what it was like for his son to attend school.   "Fifty years later we still have young people being escorted to school [remember James Meredith at Oxford or Little Rock] by armed guard.  My son should not have to walk next to a police officer in 2013 when there is a perfectly good school across the street from his house."

Hard to argue with this. Oh, some people might but my guess is that they don't live under such conditions as those described by Mr. Brown.   Jitu was commenting on the education of his son in light of the 1-day school boycott which saw hundreds of activists descend upon CPS headquarters to protest various conditions and lament the school closings and dwindling budgets of individual schools.

As I sit here in the comfort of my home I wonder if much will change in the next fifty years.  Yes, social progress has been made but economic progress has been a dream gone adrift for far too many people.   It is a fact, not conjecture, that the poor are getting poorer and the number of poor is exploding.

A lack of jobs, low pay, having too little money to provide for ones health care and nutritious food and making ends meet are emblematic of the lack of economic progress.   For people to take part and achieve the 'American Dream' things will have to change.

Dick 

50 Years Later and Today

The March on Washington 50 years ago moved the nation forward in so very many ways. When all is said and done it wasn't just a matter of aiding civil rights, it was a movement to assist in the enhancement of human rights.

There are acitivists and those striving to move the need ahead on these two fronts in Chicago on this day to mark the 50th anniversary of the march. These people are calling for a 1-day school boycott to bring attention to a whole host of issues. Coincidentally, the CS Board of Education is slated to vote on the fiscal year 2014 budget, a budget which contains significant millions of dollars of classroom cuts.

The boycott today is in protest of these cuts, the closing of nearly 50 schools, teachers being terminated, a school board which is appointed rather than elected and much more.

There are those who would say that the kids need to be in the classroom today. My reply is this...Who are we, on the outside, to questions this? I really mean it. Like 50 years ago how are we to know the dire conditions that today's students and families live in? We really have no idea what it is like to fight escalating poverty, too few jobs, school closings, dwindling budgets and a whole host of other problems.

I applaud people for saying no to these conditions, many not created of their own doing. I understand and support their willingness to stand up and say no more! Like 50 years ago, they have every right to draw attention to the above predicament. At the very least, we ought to be able to empathize with our fellow citizens.

Dick

Keep Them Safe

So far so good in terms of the CPS children getting to and from school safely on the first day of classes. Mayor Emanuel had the troops; police, safe passage workers, crossing guards, streets and sanitation officials and others, out in full force. That's good news!!

I'll add this note, just as I did during the years that I taught, I want to see what happens in October, February and March to get a better hold of just how things are shaping up. The first day of school and the last day are important but they aren't really good barometers in terms of learning, teaching, and, in this case, safety.

Let's see if the 'powers that be' keep security personnel out in full force - as they did yesterday - in the many days to come. When it's -5 will the same number of police and crossing guards be out there? Will Emanuel walk to school with children on Nov. 1st or on a rainy day in April? The safety concerns of school personnel and families won't abate on those days. Of that you can be sure.

If everyone pitches in, as they did yesterday, the students will be all the better for it.

Dick

The Funds are Coming In

Last Friday I noted that the State of Illinois put $89 million into capital improvements for the schools in the CPS system. Fortunately, about $16 million may be used to alleviate overcrowding. Okay, sounds good so far.

This point about overcrowding leaves me wondering about whether CPS closed too many schools too quickly; thus, resulting in classes and schools having too many students. Don't get me wrong, having the funds to make the necessary repairs and upgrades are most welcome but the spring closures should have avoided any overcrowding problems or concerns.

One wonders just how these funds will be used given the statement made by Abdon Pallasch, a spokesman for Governor Quinn, who noted that other state school districts have to submit projects for approval. CPS, on the other hand, may determine how it spends the money without going through the same process.

Given the above point, it will be most revealing to see just how CPS decides to use the state funds. Stay tuned.

Dick

Talk About News!!

It will take me a couple of days to digest and and write about so many events surrounding CPS schools. But let me give you a very brief synopsis of happenings in the past 24 hours.

Despite a district -wide budget deficit, the closing of 49 neighborhood schools, major cuts to the budgets of the individual schools and laying off 3,168 personnel, Mayor Emanuel is doling out bonuses to the principals of schools where there was academic growth.

The State of Illinois on Thursday announced that $89 million is being awarded to CS to make capital improvements of which $16 million can be used to alleviate overcrowding. Wow, that's interesting. I thought CPS just got done, this past spring, saying that so many schools were not crowded and were underutilized. Which is it?

On Wednesday, August 28th various city activist groups are call for a 1-day school boycott. The boycott is attempt to call attention, as the Chicago Sun-Times reported,to the show CPS that education is a human right and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

I'll comment on all of the these in the next few days. They certainly warrant our attention.
Dick

It Was a Thrill

It was my great pleasure to represent everyone associated with the work of Schools Count Corp. as I was able to attend a Welcoming Party yesterday at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. Evers is but one of many CPS schools we provide with student and teacher supplies each fall. Principal Caroline Ellis hosted a great event. She had an audience of at least 150 people. Ms. Ellis introduced her staff, laid out goals for the year, asked parents to participate in the education of their children, established goals for the year, provided the kids and parents with some refreshments and gave the parents a tour of the school. I have to tell you, there was a genuine and positive buzz in the building; smiling faces of youngsters, eager staff, happy and engaged parents and an 'Evers unity' that was pervassive. It was great to be a small part of the day. Ms. Ellis was kind enough to introduce me to a most receptive audience. It was indeed an honor for me to meet so many fine people. At the conclusion of the reception a number of grateful parents personally approached me to thank me for assisting their children. To a person, each was effusive in their praise for the work of our charity. All I can say is...I wish you could have been there! Dick

Pretty Darn Disturbing

As if laying off hundreds of teachers, in light of the spring school closings, wasn't enough, we now have learned that various 'welcoming schools' (these are ones taking in students from the closed buildings in addition to their own students) are losing teachers in spite of a growing student population. Combined with slashed building budgets, it is no wonder people are up in arms. The Chicago Sun-Times did a pretty exhaustive study on the above situation. The results are troubling to say the least. Hearst Elementary, for example, is gaining just 16 student this year - over last year - but they laid off six teachers. Ten of fourteen welcoming schools (remember they now have more students) laid off one teacher in spite of housing more students. Four of these welcoming schools laid off one or two paraprofessionals. Get this...Daniel Carter has 12 additional students this year, over last year, yet the school lost 27% of its union staff. Devry University Academy gained 12 students yet it is losing 32% of its union staff members. People within these communities as well as those of us living outside them ought to be up in arms. When I hear the words 'and justice for all,' I think of these children, families and teachers who have to endure this brazen and bold action to limit their ability to learn and progress. Yes, it is darn disturbing. Dick

The Kids are Back

The students we serve in Ford Heights and Harvey, IL are already attending classes and the children in CPS schools won't be far behind as they will be hitting the books next week.  It is an exciting time of t he year for everyone connected to education and thhe work of our charity.

I've had many texts and emails from various principals of the schools we are fortunate enough to serve and to a person each were thrilled with the massive quantity of supplies we delivered to them.   Without fail, each of these school officials wanted me to convey their thanks to each of you.  All of them were excited to have the kids back in the hallways.

When all is said and done, this is the level of eagerness we hope to instill in the kids, their families and the staffs working with the students.   Witnessing these many smiling faces conveys the very real sense that learning is important and that the schools will do their very best to provide the best education possible.

I think we are fortunate to be a small part of this success.

Thanks to one and all!
Dick

Inner City Schools Biting the Dust

Chicago recently closed 48 neighborhood schools while Philadelphia has closed some 30 schools for the upcoming school year.   Detroit has 80 unused buildings and there are plans to close another 28 schools.  To be sure, there are shrinking school populations in each of these cities as there are in a number of other cities across America.

Not only are there fewer school age children, districts like the above are coping with large deficits.  Yes, actions had to be taken.

All that being said, it doesn't mean that class sizes should increase or that programs like Art, Music, Physical Education and after-school programs ought to be gutted.   It is not a reason to slash the budgets of those classrooms and schools that remain open.   That is precisely what is taking place throughout the inner city schools of this country.

Schools that remain in the business of educating our youth need to have a full fledged, well run, and well financed building.   Period.  Cutting schools due to financial trouble and a lack of students is one thing.   Gutting schools still needed and operating is quite another and is wrong on some very many levels.

Dick

It's About Jobs

Yesterday we ventured over to Ford Heights, IL to bring their two schools with needed student supplies.  I got to meet the secretaries at both buildings and they were ecstatic to say the least.

As I drove through the community I was saddened to witness the number of businesses that have been abandoned and the homes and large apartment units boarded up.   It's not hard to understand why Ford Heights is in this condition as the unemployment rate is a staggering 40%!!

Imagine a large segment of the population without a job.   There is little money for housing, certainly too little for proper health care and far too little for such fundamental items such as school supplies.  On a larger scale, without residents and businesses, there is a small and shrinking tax base.   Again, too few dollars for education and a sparse amount for infrastructure improvement.

So much of what happens in schools is tied to the job situation in a locality.   I left Ford Heights knowing there were many grateful people but I also went home knowing that tough times are in the offing for these fine people.   Very sad.

Dick

Open and Shut

'Open and Shut' is how the Chicago Sun-Times described the situation regarding the desire of CPS to open more charter schools while they have closed nearly 50 neighborhood community schools.   Yes, there is some overcrowding in the northwest and southwest portions of the city but CPS could open neighborhood schools rather than charters.

The image and perception created by opening new schools while shuttering others must certainly leave those students, parents and staff affected by the closings in a mood of disbelief.   I wonder how many of those excellent teachers pink slipped by the closures will be hired by the soon-to-be charters?   I'll answer my own question...very few.

Let me go back to the question of why would CPS open charters rather than regular neighborhood schools.  Well, for one, there is the belief (notice I said belief) that charter fare 'better' than the neighborhood schools.  No doubt, the charters won't be pushing for teachers to join the CTU!!  Also, charters are funded at a different rate -lower - than the traditional public schools.  Hence, there is so called 'savings' to the CPS budget.   Speaking of budget, CPS is asking the potential operators of charters to "find their own buildings." 

If you ask me, the above are but a couple of the reasons why the CPS brass are washing their hands of the difficult task of educating our youth.  Just one more nail in the coffin for putting an end to public education in America.

Dick

A Heartfelt Thanks!

Below is a brief email I received yesterday from the Principal of Holmes Elementary in Harvey, IL.  I believe it is worth sharing with those of you who are so very generous and supportive of our work.

Good afternoon Mr. Flesher-
I am Melanie Ware the new Principal of Holmes School. I wanted to extend a big "THANK YOU" for your donation of school supplies for Holmes students. I greatly appreciate it. I'm so sorry I was unable to be here to meet you. I was with our new Superintendent Dr. Denean Adams at our 2013/2014 Administrators Retreat. I appreciate your support and look forward to partnering with you and your company in future endeavors.

Thank you for your generosity!

I Get It...Well, Kinda

Yes, I know a good number of CPS schools were underutilized.   I also realize that CPS has had a huge and growing budget deficit.   I am also aware of the fact that the total city school-age population is dwindling.  And I understand that something had to be done about all of these issues.

Here's what I don't get.   Why are principals, often with growing populations due to becoming a welcoming school, faced with massive building cuts?   Why do they have to pay for substitute teachers out of the their building budget or buy their own toilet paper?   How on earth does CPS think that losing 92 art positions, 54 lost music teachers, 58 lost Physical Education teachers and 40 librarians is good for a comprehensive education?

Yes, something had to be done alright.  The big question is this...will the above 'slash and burn' cost cutting measure hinder a child's education and the ability of teachers to deliver?

Stay tuned!
Dick

You Bet They Need Us

There were many memorable moments, amidst the frenzy and excitement of delivering supplies, last week to the CPS and Harvey, IL schools.  Perhaps none stood out more in terms of why our assistance is needed than our very last stop which we made late Friday morning.

Our volunteers had just started to unload supplies and the janitor met us at the back door of the school (I won't mention the name of the school as I don't want to embarass anyone).   At any rate the janitor had a dust mop that was held together with two yardsticks and some masking tape.  His two-wheel cart was tiny, old, and the fragile pipes were held together with masking tape.

I thought to myself, how on earth can this man, with these spartan supplies, take care of a school.  At that moment it struck me that the students, janitors, teachers and others in the various buildings we serve are almost always in need of our help.

By the way, Mac, one of volunteers, wisely gave one of our heavy duty, brand new two wheel cart.   The look of satisfaction and appreciation on the face of that janitor will live with me forever.   We gave him just what he most needed.  How priceless.

Dick

More on CPS Closings

Here we are in August and the tempest is still brewing with regard to some of the CPS school closings.  If you'll recall, CPS closed nearly 50 schools this past spring due to, in their view, underutilization.

The Chicago Teacher's Union filed a lawsuit claiming that the CPS brass and school board had ignored the recommendations of hearing officers, appointed by the board, with respect to the impending closings.

On Wednesday Cook County Judge Thomas Allen denied a motion to stop CPS from making all the school closings including the 10 in the lawsuit.   Judge Allen did not dismiss the lawsuit but he denied the motion based on the fact that he said the Springfield legislators had not developed legislation which barred the CPS Board of Education from contradicting the recommendations of the hearing officers.

So, the 10 schools will stayed closed. 

Sadly, what remains are grievances still pending, hurt feelings, and the fact that many feel that justice has been denied.   I will say this...why on earth do you suppose the school board would want hearing officers, hand picked, and then not really follow their advice.   I'll leave that to you to ponder.

Thanks,
Dick