Helping the Underserved

One of last nights episodes on 60 Minutes dealt with scholarships to help the poor with regard to being able to go to college. Many people who live in poverty quite simply cannot afford to pay the rapidly escalating cost of attending the university of their choice. It's not a matter of effort either.

The President of Princeton, along with Melinda and Bill Gates, are seeing to it that students who otherwise couldn't afford a college education are getting a chance. That means that the Gates, and others, are paying the freight.

The results of assisting those in poverty are stunning. Students who come from the low rungs of the socio-economic ladder are doing extraordinarily well terms of making the grade in school and they are performing at a high standard in the world of work.

That might be surprising to some but to those offering the scholarships they have found that just because one comes from an impoverished background that doesn't mean they don't study or that they don't care about their future. Melinda and Bill Gates have found that plenty of people, who come from meager means, do want to get ahead and they'll work hard at doing it.

Dick

What's Happening in Dunning?

The far Northwest Side of Chicago will find a new CPS school in the fall of 2019 (projection). It's sorely needed as the current Taft High School is overcrowded and there are a number of other feeder schools where enrollment has ballooned in recent years. The new building, at a cost of $70 million, will hold 1,200 students.

This sounds like good news and it is to a large extent. Just one huge hiccup though...

Who will attend the new Dunning building? Will it be a sole high school for just the freshman class at Taft or will it take in Taft freshman and other students who aren't attending Taft? Perhaps the Dunning school won't have Taft students and it will be purely a high school for those living in the bustling community.

The answers to these questions have not been provided by CPS. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, CPS will let everyone know as time and patience is running short.

Dick

Jazz Time Friends!

Why not put aside the I phone, turn off the TV and head to the Hinsdale Community House (8th St. and Madison Streets in Hinsdale) for some lively jazz performed by the various Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles. This is bound to be a wonderful night of smooth music being put on by some wonderful and generous musicians.

The event swings into action at 7:00 pm and the entrance fee is a mere $5 per person or $10 for the entire family!!

All of the proceeds of the evening will go towards the purchase of music instruments so that the children at Chase Elementary School in Chicago can have their very own after-school band program. So head on out to the Community House...chill, take in the music and know that you are assisting some students who will have a chance to replicate the HC Ensembles!!

Thank you,
Dick

Crisis - Looming Teacher Shortage

My concern about others; teachers, friends, concerned citizens and govt. officials, not responding to the present teacher shortage in Illinois as well as other parts of America apparently is not shared by a good number of citizens. There are many reasons why I'm raising the issue apart from the harm to our students.

The chasm is deep and getting expert teachers, not unlike people in the medical or law professions, will take time in terms of training and student teaching. Districts can't just run an ad/hang out a shingle and expect a whole crop of extraordinary teachers to apply. That is a rare commodity these days and it is only likely to exist in school districts with a long pedigree of academic success.

Here's but one solution that needs to be implemented right now. There are scant number of high schools in America that offer courses akin to 'Introduction to Teaching' which puts students in elementary schools and feeder schools a few days a week while offering instruction in the high school setting to complement the work in the field. I have seen these programs and have witnessed their successes.

If the AFT, NEA and local school boards were on top of their game, this is a great place to start in terms of tackling the problem.

Dick

Teacher Crisis - Calling all Allies

If I can motivate just one person to respond to this blog/facebook post, enlist the help of one individual to write a positive 'Letter to the Editor' or find one individual to contact a public servant to address the teacher shortage crisis and the need to invest in recruiting others to join the profession, well...then this brief note will be worth it.

Standing by, idly, while curriculum programs go without classroom teachers and while education programs at colleges dwindle in size, by the day, won't cut it. Allowing schools to cut back on the types of classes offered simply because there are too few properly trained teachers can't be allowed.

Whether young or not quite so young, we all need to get involved. Without being hyperbolic, it may very well be your daughters and sons who go without those valuable resources called teachers!

Dick

Teacher Crisis - Don't Tolerate It!

Yesterday I brought you the news that there are over 200 openings in schools in Kane County, IL. This is a county that should have plenty of access to teacher recruits given its proximity to Chicago and many surrounding area universities. Obviously, much more is at issue here.

Whether it's people bellyaching about teachers, reformers (often critics of public education) who champion other delivery systems, a loss of funding for a variety of reasons and a whole host of other issues, one thing is clear...the teacher shortage is growing and many students are suffering as a result.

I have taught for over thirty years and have been fortunate to work with great individuals in our charity for over a decade but the time has come to take the gloves off. Ignoring this problem, and others associated with it, has to come to a grinding halt. Unless individuals step up to say no more and unless we get engaged in preserving the sanctity of the profession of teaching we are in for a rough ride.

I am asking those of you who work with us, donate funds, volunteer or who otherwise support the cause of assisting students and teachers in need to redouble your efforts. How can this be done you ask?

Let govt. officials know how you feel, donate to causes that aid students and teachers, get on a school board, write an op-ed to voice your concern. The ways to let people know how you feel about this crisis is only limited by not getting involved. Everyone is needed.

Dick

Teacher Crisis

Make no mistake about it there is a severe teacher shortage. When Kane County, as of this morning, advertisers on its website (teachinkane.org) that it has 207 openings then you know there is a significant shortfall. Among the openings are the need for 40 elementary school teachers, 69 high school teachers and another 35 in the middle schools.

That is just one county in the State of Illinois. Imagine the openings in Cook County. And this crisis is not isolated to one county or merely one state. This is a nationwide problem of significant importance.

Ah, the word importance. The fact that thousands of jobs are available in teaching and the fact that Education Departments at many universities don't have enough teacher candidates is certainly alarming. Personally, what I find alarming is that I don't get the sense that the larger public sees a problem and if they do; well, so what!!

We might very well be beyond a crisis. My friends...we are.

Dick

Democracy in CPS

I've always been a big proponent of an elected School Board for CPS. That isn't the case right now. The Mayor gets to make that nod concerning who serves though the state legislators could approve an elected board. Right now that's not even on the back burner. But there is another important role for democracy in the neighborhood schools of Chicago.

Tomorrow elections will be held for Local School Council (LSC) members. These members serve within their own school boundaries and though their power has diminished over time they are an important vehicle to the parents of each school. Some CPS schools have contested elections while a good many can't find enough people willing to run let alone serve.

As one might expect, the effectiveness of the LSC's varies greatly. I do know that the LSC of Pickard Elementary is a positive, powerful and highly effective LSC. It's members are active in terms of providing resources to the children as well as working closely with the school staff. Pickard is a school that has been on the rise and it is due, in no small part, to the great efforts made by the LSC.

LSC's have an important voice in a good many schools and they will be effective only as long as the constituents participate in the process.

Get out and vote, get out and get engaged. It's your school, it's your community, and it's the future of our children.

Dick

Rarin To Go!!

I have six varsity boys soccer players from Hinsdale Central High School who are eager to run the 2018 version of our KICK (Kick It In for Chicago Kids) on behalf of our charity. Ryan Counts, Zach Drescher, Marcus Gruvberger, Kosta Kinnas, John Paul Ltief and Gavin Schwarz are ready to roll.

These boys are committed to raising funds for the children in need of resources living in high poverty areas in the Chicagoland region. In the next few months the boys will seek corporate and business sponsorships, organize a soccer/tennis event on Sept. 16th and they'll be running a auction.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on how you can be a part of this wonderful initiative.

Dick

Cleaning CPS Schools

In the aftermath of filth conditions in many CPS schools, revealed by the Chicago Sun-Times, CPS has undertaken moves not only to start addressing the cleanliness issue of the schools but, at the same time by doing so, has averted a strike by the district's janitors.

Just two days before the janitors were to strike the brass at CPS has agreed to hire an additional 200 janitors at a cost of $7 million to address the problems. In fact, at least 100 of the newly hired personnel will stay on the job once this clean-up has been completed.

The fact that many buildings were not properly taken care of is but one of many issues that has to be solved. The work of the Sodexco Magic and Aramark, which together were paid nearly $90 million in the 2016-17 school year, has been a major concern in terms of their performance. Going forward, making sure that CPS gets the proper proverbial 'bang for the buck' will be critical.

The students, staff, parents and other school personnel deserve a clean and safe environment. Anything less isn't acceptable.

Time to clean up their act as well as the buildings!

Dick

All Jazzed Up

That's right, I'm all jazzed up!! That's an expression from some years back but it holds true for me when it comes to helping Chase Elementary put together an after-school band. It's exciting to see Ian - the Music Teacher - take the initiative to get this up and running and it's equally gratifying to know that the many dozens of Hinsdale Central High School musicians are willing to take the time and energy to help our charity assist the students at Chase.

So yes, I'm all jazzed up to know that we'll play to what hopes to be a crowded house on April 25th. To be a patron and attendee of this terrific evening please contact me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll give you the 'lowdown' on what promises to be a sensational evening of jazz!!!

Dick

Jazz Time

I'm not sure I can ever say that I understand what it means to go without particularly when it comes to my education and teaching tenure. Whether one needs a pencil, uniform, art supplies, a binder, folders or music instrument it is simply wrong that the students go without these vital resources. The children and staff of CPS schools often face this dilemma.

The Hinsdale Central High School Music Dept. will put on a benefit to help raise money to buy band instruments for Chase Elementary School in Chicago. The program will be held at the Hinsdale Community House (8th St. and Madison St. in Hinsdale) on Wednesday, April 25th. The music commences at 7:00 sharp and the cost is unbelievably reasonable...$5 per person or $10 for the entire family! There's one other way of paying for your entry fee while being recognized for your support of the musicians and Schools Count Corp.

Anyone making a donation of $25 will be recognized as a 'bronze' patron in addition to getting free entry. Anyone making a donation of $25 to $50 will be recognized as a 'silver' patron in addition to getting free entry. Finally, anyone making a donation in excess of $50 will be recognized as a 'gold' patron while obtaining free entry to the festivities. Of course these donations will enable you to obtain a tax deduction for your contribution.

Simply send your donation to Dick Flesher at 9550 140th Court, Unit 112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. Please be sure to get your check to me no later than Friday, April 20th.

Hope to see you on the 25th for a great evening and wonderful cause.

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Cash is Coming to CPS

The whole story of the neediest schools in Illinois receiving additional funding is certainly good news. According to the Chicago Sun Times, "Chicago Public Schools is expected to receive $1.54 billion from the state in the current school year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education."

CPS, based on the deal reached last year, is expecting an additional $450 million going forward.

And while everyone seems pretty satisfied that funds will get to the poorest schools districts, including the Chicago Public Schools, I'd add a word of caution. As the Sun Times notes, "lawmakers will have to increase spending for schools each year for a decade for the formula to work.

That my friends might be a hefty lift. Will lawmakers, those in power and those who are not yet serving, see fit to follow through on the increases needed for the next ten years? We'll see.

Dick

Money for the Neediest Schools in IL

For years many stakeholders have lamented the funding crisis of the schools and students most in need of additional monies. There has been plenty of wrangling, finger pointing, politicizing the issue and outright bullheadedness (yes, that's a word!) over the issue.

That is all about to change in the coming days.

A new school funding formula has been agreed to and the money will soon flow into the coffers of CPS and other Illinois school districts that need a cash infusion By the way, the funding formula is determined based upon what is called a 'funding target.'
The target is based on enrollment and the cost of 34 factors determined to have the most beneficial impact on students.

Here's what all this means...$395 million will be provided to the state schools this year with $60 million of additional funding going to CPS. More funding will hit the schools in the years to come and I'll chat about that with you over the next few days. To say, the least, there are plenty of school personnel taking a deep sight of relief.

Dick

Money Shortfall for Janitors

I happened to work at a suburban school where money wasn't a problem for the most part. I had a terrific salary, access to plenty of needed supplies and the school was well resourced in other regards. Why do I mention this experience? It's proof positive that the troubles facing states where there are 'walkouts' are real and that money matters.

Today's Chicago Sun Times ran a story on the possibility of janitors in the CPS system 'walking off' the job in the coming days. Too few janitors, staff cuts and cleaning supplies lacking. The reason is essentially the same as WV, OK and KY and it's the alternative to where I worked for so many years. There simply is a dearth of money for any of many reasons.

Whether its the CPS system or the states I alluded to in the previous paragraph, money matters. It begs one to ask the question...what will be done?

Dick

Funding Crisis on Display

Many people are wondering why there are school teacher walkouts in Kentucky, Oklahoma and - potentially - Arizona. Let me share some hard and fast facts with you on how the state legislatures of these respective states have whittled away at the funding of public education.

In the period between 2008-2017 the state funding formula, per student, has declined at an alarming rate. Oklahoma has the dubious distinction of seeing a reduction during that time frame of 26.9%. Sadly, Kentucky, ranked as the third worst, has seen a drop in funding of 13.1% while Arizona ranks as the fifth worst with a decline of 12.8% in state funding per student during the 2008-2017 period.

These funding cuts are drastic and over that period of time such draconian funding reductions will result in a loss of sorts of important resources. Say what you want but the state legislatures need to face up to the fact that they have been a root cause of the walkouts.

Dick

King Marches On

Americans are well aware of the fact that a half century ago Martin Luther King lost his life. Many are aware of the Birmingham Jail letter, the March on Washington, his support of the Montgomery bus boycott and much more. King was also a strong advocate of speaking up for an end to segregation in our schools.

In spite of the Brown vs Board of Education  segregation continued during King's lifetime and well beyond. King often spoke against local authorities who did not support putting an end to school segregation. The segregation of the 60's, 70's and beyond often manifested itself through overcrowding in most black schools, driving children of color past nearly all white schools which had plenty of room for more students, failing to provide quality teachers in schools of color and much more.

So, today, and each day going forward it is my hope that our charity will, is some very small way, march on in order to help create educational justice and equality.

March On,
Dick

Speaking Up on Behalf of Students

Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky and now Oklahoma. What do they have in common you ask? They are states where teachers have had enough, enough of not getting the support they need for the children they instruct. Quarter century old and out-of-date textbooks, rickety desks, overcrowded classroom conditions and poorly resourced curriculum are but some of the complaints of these teachers.

These aren't small concerns or issues facing the teachers in the above states and in other areas of America. Too many public schools are not properly funded. Let me put it this way. If teachers don't speak up then nothing will change. And by the way, wouldn't you, as a parent, want your child's teacher to be properly resourced?

We are the wealthiest nation in the world and yet we are ignoring what has been one of the hallmarks of our success...public education. I'm tired of it and the rest of the citizens of the United States need to heed the call of our teachers and also speak up on behalf of our children.

Dick

Time to Get Jazzed Up

It's once again time to head to the Hinsdale Community House for some wonderful jazz. The Hinsdale Central High School ensembles will play some of your favorite pieces on Wednesday, April 25th. This is quite a night as all of the proceeds will be used to help Chase Elementary School in Chicago initiate an after-school band program.

The program starts at 7:00 sharp and the cost is unbelievably reasonable...$5 per person or $10 for the entire family! There's one other way of paying for your entry fee while being recognized for your support of the musicians and Schools Count Corp.

Anyone making a donation of $25 will be recognized as a 'bronze' patron in addition to getting free entry. Anyone making a donation of $25 to $50 will be recognized as a 'silver' patron in addition to getting free entry. Finally, anyone making a donation in excess of $50 will be recognized as a 'gold' patron while obtaining free entry to the festivities. Of course these donations will enable you to obtain a tax deduction for your contribution.

Simply send your donation to Dick Flesher at 9550 140th Court, Unit 112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. Please be sure to get your check to me no later than Friday, April 20th.

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher