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