The wind is blowing the pelting rain sideways here in Central NY. Mind you, it's not a breeze but a howling wind. Walking up and down the streets of Skaneateles is out of the question this morning. Okay, now that I have given you the proverbial weather report and admitted I'm not prone to take a walk outdoors today, it's time to move on the education.
Actually, I think the driving rain is a pretty appropriate metaphor for what impoverished students have to deal with in many parts of rural and urban America today. The obstacles to getting ahead or keeping ones head above water are many and they are often roadblocks, like today's storm that I don't want to deal with, that haven't been created by those individuals trying to get a decent education, good paying job or, sadly, merely avoiding the pitfalls that are part of their daily lives.
If the storm is bad enough then dealing with it and moving on, for those living in blighted areas with too few resources, will be a difficult task at best. All the more reason for Schools Count Corp. to lend a helping hand.
Dick
Monday, March 28, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Teacher Shortage - A Major Crisis
As if there aren't enough concerns with education given numerous districts facing all sorts of testing mandates and budget deficits, you can add one more item, sadly, to the list. There is a very real crisis brewing and its effects will reach deeper than the testing and deficit issues. Many universities are seeing very significant drops in the enrollment of students who want to major in Education.
The NEAToday has recently reported that a 2016 National Survey of College Freshman which indicates just how few students are intending to major in Education. Just 4.2% of those surveyed said they intended to major in Education. That figure is a 45 year low. A full 11% of students in 1971 and, as recently as 2000, said they would major in Education. This spiral downward has been steep and ongoing ever since the turn of the century.
The causes are many and I will get into a number of them in the coming days but, one thing is certain, at this rate many K-12 schools will have to make class sizes bigger and they will undoubtedly cut back on courses offered as well as the numbers of available sections. I don't think it is a stretch to say that some schools will simply have to shut down or will face consolidation.
Not a happy sight.
Dick
The NEAToday has recently reported that a 2016 National Survey of College Freshman which indicates just how few students are intending to major in Education. Just 4.2% of those surveyed said they intended to major in Education. That figure is a 45 year low. A full 11% of students in 1971 and, as recently as 2000, said they would major in Education. This spiral downward has been steep and ongoing ever since the turn of the century.
The causes are many and I will get into a number of them in the coming days but, one thing is certain, at this rate many K-12 schools will have to make class sizes bigger and they will undoubtedly cut back on courses offered as well as the numbers of available sections. I don't think it is a stretch to say that some schools will simply have to shut down or will face consolidation.
Not a happy sight.
Dick
Thursday, March 24, 2016
A Different Story
On most blog-writing occasions I discuss the harsh reality of daily life in urban school settings. Today, after reading the book, 'Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be,' I'd like to share some thoughts about attending college. This refreshing read has much to do with our work in some ways.
Essentially the author, Frank Bruni, is saying that attending one of the Ivies or 'top' universities is not all it's cracked up to be. One can find a post high school setting that can offer an individual all that he/she ever wants and needs without going through the hassle that is part of today's college application process.
Bruni lays out some pretty strong arguments to support the above. He contends that college rankings aren't all that reliable and the manner in which many universities 'rig' their own system of the percentage of applicants who are selected to attend their school is rather dubious. He also points out that young people in grades 1-12, too often with their parents, are truly driving themselves crazy by jumping through so many hoops in order to get to that 'ivory tower' school.
There are many instances where the above takes place and, as Bruni points out, it is completely unnecessary.
Dick
Essentially the author, Frank Bruni, is saying that attending one of the Ivies or 'top' universities is not all it's cracked up to be. One can find a post high school setting that can offer an individual all that he/she ever wants and needs without going through the hassle that is part of today's college application process.
Bruni lays out some pretty strong arguments to support the above. He contends that college rankings aren't all that reliable and the manner in which many universities 'rig' their own system of the percentage of applicants who are selected to attend their school is rather dubious. He also points out that young people in grades 1-12, too often with their parents, are truly driving themselves crazy by jumping through so many hoops in order to get to that 'ivory tower' school.
There are many instances where the above takes place and, as Bruni points out, it is completely unnecessary.
Dick
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
'Must Read' Post Script
Yesterday I shared a letter from a parent of a child who attends a CPS school that has been ravaged by numerous budget and personnel cuts this school year. The reductions in both areas has been deep and has seriously harmed teachers and students. In some cases, as the letter notes, class size has nearly doubled from last year.
As I reflect on the note I am struck by the fact that no where in the letter was any mention made relative to the cuts taking place because of poor staff performance or low student test scores. Quite the contrary, the school has made great progress in recent years. And this is what you get?!
Many American urban areas have it tough as it is...blight, low property values, unemployment and more. Schools are faced with these environmental problems and their own set of issues...budget cuts, teachers quitting, pension mess, larger class sizes and other obstacles. For the life of me, I don't see how neighborhood public schools can go on much longer like this.
Dick
As I reflect on the note I am struck by the fact that no where in the letter was any mention made relative to the cuts taking place because of poor staff performance or low student test scores. Quite the contrary, the school has made great progress in recent years. And this is what you get?!
Many American urban areas have it tough as it is...blight, low property values, unemployment and more. Schools are faced with these environmental problems and their own set of issues...budget cuts, teachers quitting, pension mess, larger class sizes and other obstacles. For the life of me, I don't see how neighborhood public schools can go on much longer like this.
Dick
Monday, March 21, 2016
A MUST Read!!!
Please be so kind as to read this telling letter from a CPS parent. It describes the very real constraints and problems faced by students and staff at one CPS school.
Hi Dick,
Nice to see you too! It's been a while! Looks like retirement is treating you well!
Thanks for asking about [insert school name]. Here are some of the things that have happened this year. Before the year began, we were hit by an 800,000 budget cut. This was 1/3 the budget of the school, finalized about two weeks before school began. This happened because all CPS schools got cut, but we got a bigger cut because our enrollment was low. The main effect of the giant cut was in class size. All classes went from 2 classes per grade level to 1. [insert student's name] first grade class started this year with 34 (they now have 33, one student moved). Last year, she had 19. Wow, can you imagine 34 first graders in one tiny room?! Often with one teacher? Their teacher is a saint!
They cut 7 teachers at the start of the school year, but managed to save music and art. It's very important to the principal, and he had those teachers helping out in the other classes when they were free.
On Christmas Eve, our principal was called and told about the second cut of the year, which I believe was about $40 k. This cut was going to affect some curriculum purchases, technology, and repairs. The Friends of [insert school name] fundraising group (of which I'm a part) was able to donate to help mitigate the effects of that cut from some fundraisers we did in the fall.
The third cut just happened at the beginning of March, and was another $40 k or so. But for some reason it was targeted specifically at the music teacher. Not from the school - from the District level. Maybe just because we just don't have any other money left to cut. The art teacher has less seniority but part of her salary is paid by a grant the principal got.
The music teacher is awesome and such an inspiring, giving teacher. He was teaching all the students keyboarding and guitar, and held music clubs after school every day of the week, mostly without extra pay. He took the choir (including [insert student's name]) on a field trip to a nursing home at Christmastime for a choir concert, and put on a really nice holiday concert at the school. He really went over and above all the time.
The principal at (insert school name) is [principal's name] and he is awesome. He has the support of the teachers and the community, and is doing the best he can with his network chief. He's really good at planning and budgeting. In the past three years, we've gone from a level three school to a level one school. But he's totally being hamstrung by the constant cuts and lack of direction from above - as I understand it, principals have been told not to spend any more money the rest of this year, and next year is looking worse than this one, if that's even possible.
Well, Dick, you asked for a bit about [insert school name], and might have gotten more than you bargained for! I have a feeling it is pretty typical to what is happening at many schools this year.
Let me know if you have any questions or ideas! Our Friends of group has raised about $35 k for the school this year, mostly through putting on community events at the school.
Hi Dick,
Nice to see you too! It's been a while! Looks like retirement is treating you well!
Thanks for asking about [insert school name]. Here are some of the things that have happened this year. Before the year began, we were hit by an 800,000 budget cut. This was 1/3 the budget of the school, finalized about two weeks before school began. This happened because all CPS schools got cut, but we got a bigger cut because our enrollment was low. The main effect of the giant cut was in class size. All classes went from 2 classes per grade level to 1. [insert student's name] first grade class started this year with 34 (they now have 33, one student moved). Last year, she had 19. Wow, can you imagine 34 first graders in one tiny room?! Often with one teacher? Their teacher is a saint!
They cut 7 teachers at the start of the school year, but managed to save music and art. It's very important to the principal, and he had those teachers helping out in the other classes when they were free.
On Christmas Eve, our principal was called and told about the second cut of the year, which I believe was about $40 k. This cut was going to affect some curriculum purchases, technology, and repairs. The Friends of [insert school name] fundraising group (of which I'm a part) was able to donate to help mitigate the effects of that cut from some fundraisers we did in the fall.
The third cut just happened at the beginning of March, and was another $40 k or so. But for some reason it was targeted specifically at the music teacher. Not from the school - from the District level. Maybe just because we just don't have any other money left to cut. The art teacher has less seniority but part of her salary is paid by a grant the principal got.
The music teacher is awesome and such an inspiring, giving teacher. He was teaching all the students keyboarding and guitar, and held music clubs after school every day of the week, mostly without extra pay. He took the choir (including [insert student's name]) on a field trip to a nursing home at Christmastime for a choir concert, and put on a really nice holiday concert at the school. He really went over and above all the time.
The principal at (insert school name) is [principal's name] and he is awesome. He has the support of the teachers and the community, and is doing the best he can with his network chief. He's really good at planning and budgeting. In the past three years, we've gone from a level three school to a level one school. But he's totally being hamstrung by the constant cuts and lack of direction from above - as I understand it, principals have been told not to spend any more money the rest of this year, and next year is looking worse than this one, if that's even possible.
Well, Dick, you asked for a bit about [insert school name], and might have gotten more than you bargained for! I have a feeling it is pretty typical to what is happening at many schools this year.
Let me know if you have any questions or ideas! Our Friends of group has raised about $35 k for the school this year, mostly through putting on community events at the school.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Words of Wisdom
Frank Bruni's book (though I am only part way through it) 'Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be' is both an eye opening and instructive statement on the mania associated with college admissions. The long and short of Bruni's extensive research is that what matters most is that when you get to a college/university, wherever it is, it is the work and effort you put into your studies that makes the real difference.
Bruni points out the fact that in the political realm and business world a much higher percentage of CEO's, Presidents, VP's and other leaders in their fields come from the non-Ivy and less prestigious public universities than one would imagine. Frank makes the point that one can be successful without driving themselves crazy trying to get into a more 'prestigious' school.
Going forward, as I continue to finish the book, I'll share Mr. Bruni's antidote to the craziness of applying to college.
Dick
Bruni points out the fact that in the political realm and business world a much higher percentage of CEO's, Presidents, VP's and other leaders in their fields come from the non-Ivy and less prestigious public universities than one would imagine. Frank makes the point that one can be successful without driving themselves crazy trying to get into a more 'prestigious' school.
Going forward, as I continue to finish the book, I'll share Mr. Bruni's antidote to the craziness of applying to college.
Dick
Thursday, March 17, 2016
The Harsh, Cold Facts
A good friend of mine who is a past teaching colleague, a current generous donor/volunteer for SCC and a parent of children at Jahn Elementary in Chicago has passed along some distressing news about what is taking place at Jahn right now. It is but another disturbing scenario that is part of saga of CPS and other inner city districts in America.
A good number of people are familiar with the CPS budget crisis and belt tightening underway but this Jahn parent confided that there have been THREE separate budget cuts (personnel and/or staff) THIS school year. Jahn, like other Chicago neighborhood schools, isn't even properly resourced at the start of the year so I don't have any idea of how they can survive three cuts.
Ever wonder why someone might be discouraged? What message does this send to the community? Ever ponder the plight of the kids and their families? This should, sadly, give you some indication why a teacher or student might throw in the proverbial towel.
Dick
A good number of people are familiar with the CPS budget crisis and belt tightening underway but this Jahn parent confided that there have been THREE separate budget cuts (personnel and/or staff) THIS school year. Jahn, like other Chicago neighborhood schools, isn't even properly resourced at the start of the year so I don't have any idea of how they can survive three cuts.
Ever wonder why someone might be discouraged? What message does this send to the community? Ever ponder the plight of the kids and their families? This should, sadly, give you some indication why a teacher or student might throw in the proverbial towel.
Dick
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Black History Cmte. Steps Up
Dick
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
CTU please take the Initiative
I wasn't kidding yesterday when I said that the teachers ought to forego the April 1st holiday and should work at least one of the three unpaid furlough days that CPS is imposing on the employees. The point is at least twofold. First, the kids need the instruction days and second, the optics of teachers work when not asked to do so would do much for negotiations and the public's perception of teachers.
Right now, far too many in public see the teachers and the union as being at fault - true or not - for various problems faced by the district. Again, that is a perception and it may not be grounded in reality but it's out there.
At the very least teachers SHOULD NOT declare April 1st a 'ditch day.' Too much is at stake in terms of education and the way forward. This 'tit for tat' that is ongoing between CPS and CTU has to come to an end in order for progress to take place. The union certainly has some bright people in the ranks and they need to come up with solutions that maximize teaching and learning while being a partner in solving serious issues in the school district.
Dick
Right now, far too many in public see the teachers and the union as being at fault - true or not - for various problems faced by the district. Again, that is a perception and it may not be grounded in reality but it's out there.
At the very least teachers SHOULD NOT declare April 1st a 'ditch day.' Too much is at stake in terms of education and the way forward. This 'tit for tat' that is ongoing between CPS and CTU has to come to an end in order for progress to take place. The union certainly has some bright people in the ranks and they need to come up with solutions that maximize teaching and learning while being a partner in solving serious issues in the school district.
Dick
Monday, March 14, 2016
April Fools
The word is out that the Chicago Teachers Union may take a 'holiday' on Friday, April 1st. No 'fooling.' The Chicago Tribune ran a short editorial exclaiming 'How CPS Students lose...' - if the teachers aren't there to teach - and, you know what? They're absolutely spot on.
I get it...the CTU wants to make a point about being told they will have to take three unpaid furlough days this spring. I understand they are furious at personnel and budget cuts. I also think that the teachers are feeling overwhelmed in many respects. But I believe there is a better way for the CTU brass and teachers to make a point.
Instead of taking an unwarranted 'holiday' on April 1st I'd suggest that the teachers actually take a different course of action so they don't look like fools. The teachers would come out way, way ahead if they decided to teach on one of those three furlough days. Imagine what parents, the public and the people at CPS would think if the teachers took this route.
Teachers, you'll be the fools if you don't show up on April 1st.
Dick
I get it...the CTU wants to make a point about being told they will have to take three unpaid furlough days this spring. I understand they are furious at personnel and budget cuts. I also think that the teachers are feeling overwhelmed in many respects. But I believe there is a better way for the CTU brass and teachers to make a point.
Instead of taking an unwarranted 'holiday' on April 1st I'd suggest that the teachers actually take a different course of action so they don't look like fools. The teachers would come out way, way ahead if they decided to teach on one of those three furlough days. Imagine what parents, the public and the people at CPS would think if the teachers took this route.
Teachers, you'll be the fools if you don't show up on April 1st.
Dick
Friday, March 11, 2016
Suing Time at CPS
It's Friday and all is quiet at CPS. Not so much. The Chicago Public School system has filed at $65 million lawsuit against former school chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett and her SUPES partners. Mind you, the $65 million amount is larger than the amount they are claiming that they were defrauded. It is highly unlikely CPS will win such an award even if the parties are found guilty.
The whole mess deals with no bid contracts, kickbacks and other transgressions.
At a time of contract talks, budget reductions, pending financial deadlines, new charters on the horizon, a threatened strike by the teachers, cuts to staff and much more, the added lawsuit simply is one more black mark. If the district - and by that I mean all those in involved in CPS from students to staff to families - along with the city itself is to recover from the ongoing crisis it will take a herculean effort.
So sad.
Dick
The whole mess deals with no bid contracts, kickbacks and other transgressions.
At a time of contract talks, budget reductions, pending financial deadlines, new charters on the horizon, a threatened strike by the teachers, cuts to staff and much more, the added lawsuit simply is one more black mark. If the district - and by that I mean all those in involved in CPS from students to staff to families - along with the city itself is to recover from the ongoing crisis it will take a herculean effort.
So sad.
Dick
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Really!! More Cuts
Todays's Chicago Sun Times got it right when there banner shouted, "Pinching Pennies for Pensions." A June 30th deadline is looming where a big pension payment ($688 million) has to be made. In order to meet that obligation, CPS is ordering is principals to spend as little as absolutely possible. Each part of the district has a goal of savings with the district hoping to save a total of $45 million by the June date.
What is so very incredible is the fact that principals have already made budget cuts of all sorts throughout this school year. It's not as if there is a huge 'slush fund' at each building. I know many principals who have had to make serious and harmful cuts to staff and programs. There is no 'rainy day' fund.
So, it looks as though as remaining funds that schools have wisely set aside will now be taken from them. The reward for being frugal is that you will not be able to use much of that 'rainy day' fund.
Good lord!!! How much more can schools, students, families and staff endure?
Dick
What is so very incredible is the fact that principals have already made budget cuts of all sorts throughout this school year. It's not as if there is a huge 'slush fund' at each building. I know many principals who have had to make serious and harmful cuts to staff and programs. There is no 'rainy day' fund.
So, it looks as though as remaining funds that schools have wisely set aside will now be taken from them. The reward for being frugal is that you will not be able to use much of that 'rainy day' fund.
Good lord!!! How much more can schools, students, families and staff endure?
Dick
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Sadly
I don't for a minute believe that what is taking place in the Chicago Public Schools is an aberration in urban American schools. The crippling of neighbor schools because of a lack of funds, environmental factors both inside and outside of the respective buildings along with the ever expanse of charters and select schools spells trouble for children.
I believe what we are seeing is the erosion of urban public schools to a large extent and it is happening day by day. The problems simply seem to mount by the day. And what can be done, what will be done - in anything - and what are any of us going to do about it?
A young lady who attended Hinsdale Central High School now teaches on the east side of Cleveland and related her profound concern about the children and their prospect going forward. She is a terrific teacher. As she related her deep love and concern for the kids she also told me about the fact that 30% of the teachers who started the school year are no longer at the school just over half way through the year.
Such a story is not uncommon in urban areas and it is a sad state of affairs.
Dick
I believe what we are seeing is the erosion of urban public schools to a large extent and it is happening day by day. The problems simply seem to mount by the day. And what can be done, what will be done - in anything - and what are any of us going to do about it?
A young lady who attended Hinsdale Central High School now teaches on the east side of Cleveland and related her profound concern about the children and their prospect going forward. She is a terrific teacher. As she related her deep love and concern for the kids she also told me about the fact that 30% of the teachers who started the school year are no longer at the school just over half way through the year.
Such a story is not uncommon in urban areas and it is a sad state of affairs.
Dick
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
An Elected CPS Board
It all sounds great...20 districts in the city of Chicago with each district selecting its own member to the Board of Education. I'm in favor of it. Let me add a caveat to this potential move to have the residents of Chicago select their own representatives to sit on the board.
Actually, the warning is the same for any school district or any other body of governance. Two thoughts of caution. First, will money win the day; that is, will this be a battle of people raising large sums of money to 'buy' their way onto the Board of Education? It is a major concern to be sure.
My second concern is this...Will the people who choose to run for a seat be educated enough to understand the very real concerns, needs and functions of a properly run board? The face of education has changed in many respects. Coming to grips with budgeting, paying off bonds, hiring of personnel and following the various local/state/federal mandates will require bright, thoughtful and savvy board members.
Yes, an elected board is needed but it will be a challenge to find competent and qualified individuals.
Dick
Actually, the warning is the same for any school district or any other body of governance. Two thoughts of caution. First, will money win the day; that is, will this be a battle of people raising large sums of money to 'buy' their way onto the Board of Education? It is a major concern to be sure.
My second concern is this...Will the people who choose to run for a seat be educated enough to understand the very real concerns, needs and functions of a properly run board? The face of education has changed in many respects. Coming to grips with budgeting, paying off bonds, hiring of personnel and following the various local/state/federal mandates will require bright, thoughtful and savvy board members.
Yes, an elected board is needed but it will be a challenge to find competent and qualified individuals.
Dick
Monday, March 7, 2016
An Elected CPS Board of Ed
Last Thursday the Illinois House accomplished a rare feat. They passed a bi-partisan bill that would create a publically elected Board of Education for the Chicago Public Schools. Yes, bi-partisan!! The vote was 110 - 4 in favor of such a move. Right now the 7 member board is hand picked by Mayor Emanuel.
The change would certainly be significant. The House passed bill would create a 21 person Board of Education with 20 different districts each selecting a board member while the 21st board seat would be that of President of the CPS Board of Education. The bill still has to get through the Illinois Senate.
The ramifications will be many but on the surface if the bill makes its way to the Governor's desk, and he signs it, the move will certainly be a blow to the Mayor. While I see this as a largely positive development I think there are some real drawbacks and I will explore these in the next couple of days.
Dick
The change would certainly be significant. The House passed bill would create a 21 person Board of Education with 20 different districts each selecting a board member while the 21st board seat would be that of President of the CPS Board of Education. The bill still has to get through the Illinois Senate.
The ramifications will be many but on the surface if the bill makes its way to the Governor's desk, and he signs it, the move will certainly be a blow to the Mayor. While I see this as a largely positive development I think there are some real drawbacks and I will explore these in the next couple of days.
Dick
Friday, March 4, 2016
Forget Working Together
Any semblance of the CPS brass and the teacher's union (CTU) hammering out a contract and working in concert has all but ended. Yesterday the Chicago Public Schools announced that ALL of its employees, including teachers, will take three UNPAID furlough days. The savings to the district would amount to roughly $30 million.
This prompted the CTU to warn that the teachers are all but sure to strike on April 1st.
Both sides agree that there is a financial crisis but that is all but lost is how to stop the bleeding or how to minimize the damage. The anger and level of trust, rather mistrust, is at a all-time low. This latest salvo from both sides comes on the heels of the pension mess and the inaction coming out of Springfield in terms of any assistance that might be rendered to the school system.
As each day goes by, from this vantage point, the chances of getting this straightened out get more remote.
Dick
This prompted the CTU to warn that the teachers are all but sure to strike on April 1st.
Both sides agree that there is a financial crisis but that is all but lost is how to stop the bleeding or how to minimize the damage. The anger and level of trust, rather mistrust, is at a all-time low. This latest salvo from both sides comes on the heels of the pension mess and the inaction coming out of Springfield in terms of any assistance that might be rendered to the school system.
As each day goes by, from this vantage point, the chances of getting this straightened out get more remote.
Dick
Thursday, March 3, 2016
One More Thing About Guns and Schools
A final thought about guns and schools. What about the kids? 5 year olds, 9 year olds and teenagers often have enough on their plates and some of them already are living in enough fear and/or chaos. Adding weapons to any school building, be it elementary school, high school or college, is bound to un-nerve more students than we can possibly imagine.
Adding more guns to the classroom is not the answer. Settling disputes or corralling ones anger shouldn't be accomplished with the parties taking to assault weapons, rifles or handguns. Yes, stopping violence and the killing is crucial but not at the expense of millions of students who don't need more fear in their lives.
We can make the classroom and schools a place for learning without arming them to the teeth.
Dick
Adding more guns to the classroom is not the answer. Settling disputes or corralling ones anger shouldn't be accomplished with the parties taking to assault weapons, rifles or handguns. Yes, stopping violence and the killing is crucial but not at the expense of millions of students who don't need more fear in their lives.
We can make the classroom and schools a place for learning without arming them to the teeth.
Dick
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Guns in the Classroom
Siva Vaidhyanathan and Frederick Steiner, who live many hundreds of miles apart, have one love in common...the University of Texas. Something else binds them, one currently at the University of Virginia, the other at the University of Texas...neither one of them want to be a Dean at the 'hook em horns' school now that weapons will be allowed in classrooms.
Vaidhyanathan pulled his name from consideration to be the Dean of the College of Communication while Steiner is leaving as Dean of the School of Architecture at Texas. So the whole notion of guns being allowed on campus, any campus, for the sake of safety has other ramifications; namely, a possible 'brain drain' in terms of the talent of its faculty.
Having guns in any classroom isn't simply about the rights of a person to bear arms. Many other factors and concerns need to be looked at before such a policy is put in place and the thoughts of these professors, along with the students and other workers at a school, must be given the same consideration as the right to bear arms.
For my two cents I never want to see one gun of any sort carried by students or staff!
Dick
Vaidhyanathan pulled his name from consideration to be the Dean of the College of Communication while Steiner is leaving as Dean of the School of Architecture at Texas. So the whole notion of guns being allowed on campus, any campus, for the sake of safety has other ramifications; namely, a possible 'brain drain' in terms of the talent of its faculty.
Having guns in any classroom isn't simply about the rights of a person to bear arms. Many other factors and concerns need to be looked at before such a policy is put in place and the thoughts of these professors, along with the students and other workers at a school, must be given the same consideration as the right to bear arms.
For my two cents I never want to see one gun of any sort carried by students or staff!
Dick
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Tit for Tat
Some might call it smackdown wrestling. Sadly, that is what appears to be happening between CPS and the teachers union. Yesterday the CPS brass made 62 union member layoffs, 17 of them being teachers. Then the union came back with the idea that they may strike as early as April 1st (no joke!).
All of this is combined with the threat by CPS to unilaterally cancel the 7% pension pickup that they have made to the teachers pension plan over the past decade.
This is getting downright deplorable. Budget cuts, pensions in crisis, a huge budget deficit, layoffs, no contract, a state without a budget, more charters on the horizon, excessive borrowing...you name it and the problems persist. It's a mess and the 'tit for tat' rabble goes on and on.
Sorry kids, we adults are screwed up!!
Dick
All of this is combined with the threat by CPS to unilaterally cancel the 7% pension pickup that they have made to the teachers pension plan over the past decade.
This is getting downright deplorable. Budget cuts, pensions in crisis, a huge budget deficit, layoffs, no contract, a state without a budget, more charters on the horizon, excessive borrowing...you name it and the problems persist. It's a mess and the 'tit for tat' rabble goes on and on.
Sorry kids, we adults are screwed up!!
Dick
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