A Real Poke in the Eye

Yesterdays CPS Board of Education meeting was as eventful as ever. Various organizations want to open 21, yes 21, new charter schools in the city. Granted this first step just finds the corporate charter companies submitting letters of intent. Without putting forward the letters it is doubtful if a firm would be granted the right to go ahead with their charter plans.

Imagine how the public school teachers, principals, parents, CTU and other feel about the prospects of another 21 charters by 2018. Remember, the charters are still public schools and as such they are entitled to funds out of the CPS kitty. The result, fewer dollars for the cash strapped neighborhood schools.

All of this is taking place as the district remains in contract talks with the teachers. Not to be forgotten is the fact that school staff layoffs will likely go ahead this coming Monday. Of course the district remains deep in the red. I have one other for you...$60 million is suppose to go towards a North Side 'selective' high school.

Dick