A Bit of Followup

Lamenting the RIFed band instructor, as I did in yesterday's blog, is not nearly enough. Remember, this was not about the teacher's classroom performance which is exceptional. The 'riffing' was about dollars and too few students in the school. It is critical to know that the number of students in the band program wasn't down.

Parents of the band program need to go straight to the CPS Board of Education and the CEO with their concerns. The principal, by the way, isn't the culprit. If there are fewer students in the school, in total, the principal is TOLD to make cuts. The principal is at the mercy of CPS headquarters.

The 'slash and burn' that is going on in many inner public schools is astounding and more than a bit concerning. As I continue to watch the plight of big city schools I foresee a time when traditional neighborhood schools will largely become extinct. Oh, they may EXIST but, for all practical purposes they will be constrained by so many factors that the product they can and must deliver will be truly compromised.

What a shame!!

Dick

A Death Blow

A terrific band instructor is being RIFed part way through the school year. That's right!! Because of decreasing enrollment at this particular school this teacher is being let go after the band program and school year have commenced. This raises lots of questions and concerns but I will pose a personal one to each of you. Here it is...How would you like it if your son and/or daughter had their competent teacher cut?

Mind you, this is not a RIF situation because of poor performance in the classroom. No, according to the brass this is about lower enrollment. You see it is all about dollars.

Okay, how about some other big issues aside from dollars. Who will teach band to the children? Will band be held five days a week? If there is band practice/instruction, what will be the quality of the instruction? What will happen to the instruments if there is no band? What was looked at, if anything, in order to keep this competent teacher?

This is but another example of the erosion of 'electives' in public education and I, for one, am tired of it. By the way, FACS, Music, Tech Ed., Art, Business Ed., Shop, and others should not be considered electives. These are programs that are fundamental to our system of public education.

Just one more 'death blow.'

Dick

Thanks for All You Do!

Too often when charities collect funds for relief efforts after a storm or they collect money to aid a very critical cause, donors are left to wonder just who benefits. Contributors give generously but seldom see the true results of their goodness. In many cases this is understandable given the conditions in a particular area ravaged by a storm or the distance between locations. And, justifiably, we trust the charity to follow through on their commitments.

I have often thought that a charity can make a great connection when donors and volunteers of an organization can come together with those who are the recipients of the gifts. Schools Count endeavors to help make these connections.

On Wednesday, October 7th Schools Count will offer just such an opportunity as we will get to meet a number of personnel from schools who have received school supplies, uniforms, band instruments, winter coats and more. I am sure these people will want to say 'thank you' in their own way.

To be a part of this wonderful evening, including a free dinner, just shoot me an email to say you will attend. The 'Appreciation Dinner' will be held on the 7th at Hinsdale Central High School in the student cafeteria. We will meet at 6:00 pm and that will be followed by dinner at 6:30. Everyone, yes, everyone is welcome!!! Just send Dick Flesher, at rich219@comcast.net, the names of those attending.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you!!!

Thanks,
Dick

We Are Doing What's Right

I have just watched and witnessed the Pope addressing our Congress as well as viewing his going to St. Patricks to feed the homeless. I think everyone would be moved in some way, large or small, by his words and actions. No, this is not a short note about religion; rather, a simple message that connects to the mission of Schools Count Corp.

His words of expression about helping others or following the golden rule certainly resonate with our desire to continue to help the children in need. Quite simply, assisting others, lending a helping hand or recognizing the needs and aspirations of others is critical to not only improve education but the very quality of life we all wish to have.

Quite simply, we are privileged to be able to help others and by doing so we are 'Doing the Right Thing.'

Thank you,
Dick

5,000 Pink Slips

With the ever increasing CPS budget debt and cuts already put in place at the start of the school year, the district's teachers, students and their families are now looking at a looming crisis of exponential size.

The brass at CPS is hoping the nearly $500 million deficit will be eased by legislators in Springfield. Good luck on that one! As of this morning I have seen no movement whatsoever that would indicate that Springfield will be able to ease the pain.

Absent help from the state capital, CEO Claypool has broached the idea of cutting up to 5,000 teachers (1,000 for each $100 million) to get the district out of the red. Okay, even IF that saved the money it accomplishes something far more harmful.

Such a move would seriously imperil student learning...plain and simple not to mention causing plenty of pain for many folks. Talk about a travesty!!!

Dick

Generous Sponsors and Donors

A good number of people helped to make our Sunday KICK fundraiser so very successful. These photos give you some idea of the extent to which numerous companies and families stepped forward to say, "I will help the KICK initiative and Schools Count see to it that children are provided with the necessary resources to be successful in the classroom."

Amazing generosity and kindness put smiles on the faces of school children!

Dick

KICK Success

Mitch Collins, Jimmy Walker, Bryan Loebig and Nick Silva, along with their Mothers, truly made yesterday's KICK event an overwhelming achievement. It was a bright, sunny day with lots of fun; tennis-soccer matches, spike ball, pizza and other refreshments, music and so very much more!!

It was heartwarming to see the boys in the HC soccer program engage in this terrific endeavor which does so very much to help SCC as we work to get resources to thousands of deserving children in many regions of the Chicagoland area.

This initiative collects funds for our charity through various sources; the entrance fee to the tennis-soccer matches, proceeds from an auction, family and corporate sponsorships, material donations and so very much more. I can relate to you that the gross proceeds will exceed $10,000 this year. What an incredible amount, what an amazing way to help deserving students.

To each participant, to each sponsor please accept my heartfelt thanks!

With gratitude
Dick

CPS - An Elected School Board?

Peter Cunningham as the Executive Director of Education Post (a school reform organization) has written a 'Perspective' piece in today's Chicago Tribune arguing against an elected school board in Chicago. He has a number of thoughtful points and arguments to be sure, some that certainly merit our attention and consideration. One such point is the idea that appointed citizens to the board aren't involved in elections and are shielded from the messiness that is our politics.

However, even that point needs to be examined. Sure, the members don't have to run for office, raise money and, in turn, aren't beholden to groups who raised the funds and might expect something in return. Still, without being elected isn't it possible that board members will feel beholden to the mayor of Chicago? Politics are always in the equation.

Cunningham also says that "without control of schools, Chicago mayors could not argue to state lawmakers that funding will be well-spent." That argument suggests that elected board members won't have that ability to make such a case and I simply believe some well qualified and thoughtful board members can make those arguments to the folks in Springfield. Besides who says that an elected school board and mayor can't work in a cooperative fashion? They can.

Finally, the citizens who have a direct interest in public education are the ones who ought to pick school board members. We allow them to vote for the mayor, state and federal legislators and the President of the United States of America. If we entrust citizens with this responsibility we can and should allow them to select members to the CPS Board of Education.

Dick

So You Want some REAL Leadership

Real leadership in education, at any level, must exist for high quality education to exist in this country. So the question is, what does REAL leadership in education look like? Plenty of scholars, and non-educational personnel, have weighed in on this so I'll give it a shot.

There are a number of essential ingredients. Among them are some of the following...

A real leader must ask, yes ask, those in the trenches what their needs are. Real leaders don't tell those who are teaching what they need or how to get the job done. Of course, this very salient point begs the idea that people must work in concert with one another. Once those needs are expressed, real leaders work hand in hand with personnel to obtain whatever resources are needed.

Real leadership in education is based upon trust. A principal, asst. principal, dept. chair or division head leads by example on this issue. Trust is built up by follow-through, by seeking out the advice of others and by inspiring through example.

Boisterous, loud and in-your-face aren't part of real leadership in schools; rather, thoughtful, diligent and engaging personnel will provide the leadership teachers, students and families are craving in the 21st century.

Just some of my thoughts...

Dick

Come Together

Part of our mission at Schools Count Corp. is to bring people together so that they both understand, learn from and appreciate what each person and each group brings to the table in order to make our work both meaningful and impactful.

I can think of no more positive manner to make the above happen then celebrating our many accomplishments together. Sharing a meal, having a relaxing evening and meeting those who, like you, make a difference in the lives of young people is inspiring. I always leave these 'Appreciation Dinners' thankful and more energized than before.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 7th at 6:00 pm at Hinsdale Central High School for what will surely be a memorable occasion. Just send me your name(s), along with your email address, and I will be sure to reserve you a spot at the table!!!

Looking forward to seeing one and all!

Dick

It's My Honor

It is truly a privilege and honor to represent the work of Schools Count Corp as the President of this giving organization. I can tell you that the various schools, children and families touched by the efforts of all of our volunteers and donors are truly appreciated.

The partnership between the various groups working to assist children in the classroom is genuine. It is because of the many people who are so kind and giving that I want to invite you to attend our 'Appreciation Dinner' on Wednesday, October 7th at 6:00 pm in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria.

Everyone is invited...donors, volunteers, family and friends. There is no catch!!! All are welcome!!
Simply email me with all the names of those who want to learn about Schools Count and those we work with in the area. That's it...email me at rich219@comcast.net.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

More on Poverty and Schools in Syracuse

Though Syracuse is but one of many mid sized cities in America, hard times have hit this venerable treasure in the Northeast on a larger scale than a good number of other urban areas. As I've noted over the past few days, poverty in Syracuse is growing at an alarming rate. The causes are many and I pointed out that the Carrier manufacturing plant closing in 2003 was one of but many reasons for the onset of tough economic times.

I don't think it's any coincidence that the 2009 closure of Syracuse China was but another blow to the city and the growing rate of poverty that the city is now facing.

When such notable firms such as Carrier and Syracuse China fold the effects are immediate. It's not just the loss of jobs at these companies, it's the loss of jobs that supply parts and supplies to these firms and it's the loss of community anchors. Everyone knows what takes place when the doors close; unemployment, idle buildings, idle hands, loss of property values, loss of population and the schools take a hit.

School age children are caught in this cycle of job loss and poverty. What a shame!!

Dick

Poverty, the Loss of Jobs and Schools

Yesterday's blog concerning news of the heightening level of poverty in Syracuse (as well as Rochester and Buffalo, NY) came as shocking and disheartening at once. The level of poverty in the area so near to where I grew up is staggering among African Americans and Hispanics. No doubt, I'm sure the level of poverty has grown among the White population of the city in various neighborhoods. That fact should not be ignored.

Looking for a reason for the worsening poverty rate in the 'Salt City?" There are many causes but there is little doubt that closing the Carrier air conditioning plant in October of 2003 was a real blow to the city. More importantly it left skilled workers with the prospects of finding lower paying jobs should they even be able to find one.

Whether it is losing a Kodak plant in Rochester, a Firestone plant in Decatur, IL or the Carrier plant in Syracuse, income levels will shrink. Unemployment is sure to take place and people will have less disposable income. All of this, and more, is a recipe for the spread of poverty. In turn, lower levels of disposable income will mean that families have less money to spend on such important concerns as education.

It is a vicious and sad cycle but it is the reality of what is taking place in far too many urban areas of America.

Who loses? It's not just the children in school who are harmed. Families lose out and the community at-large is hurt.

We are looking forward to helping some of the Syracuse school students in the fall of 2016. They deserver the assistance.

Thanks,
Dick

Trouble at Home

I grew up in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, a beautiful part of the country. Not far from where I went to high school, Skaneateles, is located Syracuse, home to a terrific university. Like other parts of America, Syracuse was an industrial hub up to the 1950's and '60s. That's all changed.

A new report out of Rutgers University paints a gloomy picture for the Black and Hispanic populations of Syracuse. In fact these population groups have the highest poverty rates in the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Sadly, the trend is growing at an alarming rate as it is in the country as a whole.

There are 30 neighborhoods in Syracuse that are suffering from what is referred to as "extreme poverty." This condition is one in which at least 40% of the inhabitants is living in poverty.

The causes and implications are many and I will get into some of these in the coming days. As it relates to the work of Schools Count, there is little doubt that high poverty rates have devastating consequences in terms of having the necessary monies to properly fund schools.

Dick

Dyett Drags On

I must confess that I've only followed the events with Dyett High School on a limited basis. Dyett has had a declining enrollment for some time and CPS has had its hands full trying to quell the cry to make the school an open enrollment "green technology school." For the past nearly three weeks Dyett activists have held a hunger strike to make their point.

CPS had to do something. The pro-activist coalition has taken their position to Arne Duncan in DC, descended on Mayor Emanuels headquarters at City Hall, and have been vocal at Town Hall meetings this week.

Forrest Claypool, CEO of the public schools, yesterday, announced that Dyett will re-open as an open enrollment high school but it will be an "arts-focused neighborhood school." The brass at CPS feels that this arrangement will satisfy the demands of the Dyett coalition. That remains to be seen but at first glance the move does not seem to have quelled the demands of those on the hunger strike.

Nerves are frayed on the Dyett issue and much works remains to be done to fix the situation.

Dick

The Optics Aren't Good

Yesterday some 200 people gathered at Daley College to speak on behalf of building additional Noble Charter Schools, some spoke against the plan while still others talked about the need to make repairs to Kelly High School. That last point was made because Noble wants to build a charter in the vicinity of Kelly.

What should not be lost on anyone is the fact that the desire to build charters is ongoing as is the likelihood that the CPS administrative brass will go along with this scenario.

Proof of the above is the fact that five charter operators are seeking CPS Board of Education approval to open 13 new schools in September of 2016. That's right...13 new charters. By the way, CPS has recently stated that they are withdrawing all start-up money for the new charters.

To some, that may sound encouraging. Sadly, I believe the charters will tap into private funding and if that is the case, in my view, then you are seeing the very essence of public education being eroded at its core.

Sad indeed

Dick

Uniforms to Lavizzo Elementary

Some happy staff members at Lavizzo Elementary in Chicago receiving white polo uniforms for the students. All of this was made possible due to the donations and hard work of Lynn Kuessner and some of her friends. Many thanks! Dick

The Longer I Write...

Some schools have already opened their doors and welcomed students back for the start of another school year. Others will commence classes the day after Labor Day. Whenever things get going there is always plenty of excitement. To be fair, there is also a measure of trepidation and uncertainty.

Given the above, the longer I observe what takes place in the classroom, the more I'm convinced that frills and gadgets (however you define them) just don't cut it. Teachers who are bright, hard working, full of passion/energy and those who sincerely care about the students make the enterprise of teaching and learning come to full bloom.

Quite simply, the very best teachers, the real professionals are the ones who engender and they are the ones who have much to do with helping students thrive. It remains this way as it has for many generations.

Great teachers make the start of another school year come alive.

Dick