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