CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett revealed that she is making sure that the children affected by the looming school closing will be taken care of with respect two a couple of issues. She promised that all students transitioned to a new school will see airconditioning and that Educational Services students will be get the equipment, supplies, etc. on the first day of school.
Okay, those aren't bad things to address but two things come to my mind. First, why aren't these two issues taken care of right now? Also, what is the cost of assuring that these two initiatives are implemented by the start of the school year? With respect to the latter concern, CPS official Tom Tyrell said that they will be "fully paid back in less than two years."
The first of the two issues dealing with the air conditioning and Educational Services students is a perplexing one. As I said, why will they only be taken care of after the school closings, why not now?
What I learned about the Ed. Services issue is a rather large blunder by CPS, one they have admitted. One of the criteria for closing the school is 'underutilization,' that is, empty seats. There are a number of schools, on the closing list, which have a large population of Ed. Services students. Of course these class sizes are smaller in order to appropriately handle the students.
What we've learned from the Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force meeting is that CPS didn't account for small Special Education class sizes in its utilization formula. Hence, a number of school with large Ed. Services populations are still on the 'hit' list. BIG mistake!!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Just Thinking
The list of CPS school closing is getting closer by the day. It is inevitable that schools will be closed forever. Those closings will signal other changes and pose some serious questions. For one, most importantly, how will the closings and subsequent moving of students to new schools affect the kids and their families? Of course, student safety is a monumental concern.
But other issues seem to have been lost in the fog of the oncoming sea change regarding the closings.
What is to become of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of teachers, asst. principals, principals, cafeteria workers, safetey personnel and janitors? I am absolutely certain many terrific people will be without a job or any realistic chance to apply for a job at other schools. I really wonder if any thought has been given to their future.
I know darn well those at CPS, as is their job, the concern is over schools and education. But somewhere along the line people need to have a sense of what to do about the community, its members, jobs and not allowing a community to be caught in the wave of blight that hits too many inner city areas.
Like I said...just thinking.
Dick
But other issues seem to have been lost in the fog of the oncoming sea change regarding the closings.
What is to become of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of teachers, asst. principals, principals, cafeteria workers, safetey personnel and janitors? I am absolutely certain many terrific people will be without a job or any realistic chance to apply for a job at other schools. I really wonder if any thought has been given to their future.
I know darn well those at CPS, as is their job, the concern is over schools and education. But somewhere along the line people need to have a sense of what to do about the community, its members, jobs and not allowing a community to be caught in the wave of blight that hits too many inner city areas.
Like I said...just thinking.
Dick
Monday, March 18, 2013
To Be Fair About It
To the critics - and I'm one - of the looming CPS school closings, nothing will ease the pain of shuttering the school doors. Putting that aside for the moment, one has to take a more honest look at the actions of CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett when it comes to the upcoming closings.
Whatever actions she takes will displease many. Upon closer examination, her manner of decision-making concerning the whole issue deserves some accolades...that's if we are being honest with ourselves. She has read every transcript of the many community meetings held over the past few months. The CEO chief has met with alderman, faith-based leaders and community action councils to evaluate any dangers that exist, or may exist, in specific communities.
There is plenty of evidence from quoted sources that attest to the fact that Byrd-Bennett is listening to the concerning of a good number of people. She has already made adjustments in terms of her thinking about which schools to close. For example, no high schools will be shut down next fall.
Along the way, Byrd-Bennett has been demanding in terms of the issue of child safety when it comes to closing schools. It is pretty clear that this issue hasn't excaped her thinking. Quite the contrary.
Ms. Byrd Bennett is 'between a rock and a hard place' on this issue. The CEO will catch plenty of grief when the list of school closing comes out. That may be the case but people ought to know she didn't simply go through the motions on this one.
Dick
Whatever actions she takes will displease many. Upon closer examination, her manner of decision-making concerning the whole issue deserves some accolades...that's if we are being honest with ourselves. She has read every transcript of the many community meetings held over the past few months. The CEO chief has met with alderman, faith-based leaders and community action councils to evaluate any dangers that exist, or may exist, in specific communities.
There is plenty of evidence from quoted sources that attest to the fact that Byrd-Bennett is listening to the concerning of a good number of people. She has already made adjustments in terms of her thinking about which schools to close. For example, no high schools will be shut down next fall.
Along the way, Byrd-Bennett has been demanding in terms of the issue of child safety when it comes to closing schools. It is pretty clear that this issue hasn't excaped her thinking. Quite the contrary.
Ms. Byrd Bennett is 'between a rock and a hard place' on this issue. The CEO will catch plenty of grief when the list of school closing comes out. That may be the case but people ought to know she didn't simply go through the motions on this one.
Dick
Friday, March 15, 2013
CPS Closings Loom
For a wonderful and thoughtful perspective on the looming CPS school closings, check out today's Chicago Sun-Times Editorial. It hits the major points, makes great sense and ought to be taken seriously by those who run the system.
For one, the piece makes mention of using a more nuanced 'underutilized formula.' Right now, the brass is looking at closing schools with an under 70% utilization rate. The Sun Times advocates a 60% capacity rate which means fewer schools would be looked at in terms of closure. The paper suggests this rate because there are some schools, considered 'underused' that have a large Education Services population. Beyond that fact, a good number of schools who are alleged to be 'underutilized' make great use of the space for terrific fine arts programs.
The editorial makes mention of how few dollars will be saved with each school closing, roughly $1 million per school. That is a paltry amount. Also, there are currently 24 CPS schools for sale and no one seems to be sprinting to any realtor to make a purchase. The savings won't be all that significant.
Another meaningful point made by the paper concerns the very future of the various neighborhoods were the schools to close. "And who suffers when a school, often the heart and soul of a neighborhood, closes? It makes any kind of turnaround in a desolate and isolated neighborhood that much more unlikely."
Finally, to ease the transition, the CST advocates a two-year closing plan. This will enable CPS to handle the phase-in in a more competent fashion, offering the safeguards that need to be put in place. I, for one, would heed such advice.
Dick
For one, the piece makes mention of using a more nuanced 'underutilized formula.' Right now, the brass is looking at closing schools with an under 70% utilization rate. The Sun Times advocates a 60% capacity rate which means fewer schools would be looked at in terms of closure. The paper suggests this rate because there are some schools, considered 'underused' that have a large Education Services population. Beyond that fact, a good number of schools who are alleged to be 'underutilized' make great use of the space for terrific fine arts programs.
The editorial makes mention of how few dollars will be saved with each school closing, roughly $1 million per school. That is a paltry amount. Also, there are currently 24 CPS schools for sale and no one seems to be sprinting to any realtor to make a purchase. The savings won't be all that significant.
Another meaningful point made by the paper concerns the very future of the various neighborhoods were the schools to close. "And who suffers when a school, often the heart and soul of a neighborhood, closes? It makes any kind of turnaround in a desolate and isolated neighborhood that much more unlikely."
Finally, to ease the transition, the CST advocates a two-year closing plan. This will enable CPS to handle the phase-in in a more competent fashion, offering the safeguards that need to be put in place. I, for one, would heed such advice.
Dick
Thursday, March 14, 2013
A Note from Pope
What follows is a note, received yesterday, from Beverly Jordan the Principal at Pope Elementary. I thought I would share her sentiments in the aftermath of Tuesday's 'Appreciation Dinner.'
Good Afternoon Mr. Flescher!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for inviting me to the dinner last night. I truly had a great time mingling with the donors and the other educators; and I am especially grateful again for all of your support and donations to our school through your organization. I have attached a picture of myself and my assistant principal as we opened up the gift box you gave me last night, as we were delighted to receive the much needed uniform tops and the gift cards! On a daily basis, we have to provide uniforms to our most needy students, so these gifts are truly appreciated more than you would ever know. I have also attached some pictures we have taken throughout the year of some of our students as they received their coats.
I also must add that I was almost brought to tears by the comments that you made about our schools and our data and how that information never gets reported to the media. That was very refreshing to hear and for you to make others aware, I am especially appreciative. The most difficult part of being on this hit list of schools to possibly close is the fact that no one really sees or knows about all of the hard work and dedication that we put into our students and schools on a day to day basis. You hit the nail right on the head when you stated that it is not about the numbers but about what we do with the number of students that we have before us, as that is truly our case. Pope School has a high mobility rate, so our students transfer in and out regularly; but in spite of that and many other factors that impact our community, we still manage to help our students to progress to the next level, so whatever level they are on when they come to us, we teach them where they are and work to meet their overall needs.
I could go on and on, but I won't, as I could write a book. I do want to thank you again for your efforts in supporting our students here at Pope. In the best way possible, please let the donors and your board of directors know that Pope School students and staff are truly grateful for all that you have done to help our school community. Your kindness and support will always be appreciated!
Good Afternoon Mr. Flescher!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for inviting me to the dinner last night. I truly had a great time mingling with the donors and the other educators; and I am especially grateful again for all of your support and donations to our school through your organization. I have attached a picture of myself and my assistant principal as we opened up the gift box you gave me last night, as we were delighted to receive the much needed uniform tops and the gift cards! On a daily basis, we have to provide uniforms to our most needy students, so these gifts are truly appreciated more than you would ever know. I have also attached some pictures we have taken throughout the year of some of our students as they received their coats.
I also must add that I was almost brought to tears by the comments that you made about our schools and our data and how that information never gets reported to the media. That was very refreshing to hear and for you to make others aware, I am especially appreciative. The most difficult part of being on this hit list of schools to possibly close is the fact that no one really sees or knows about all of the hard work and dedication that we put into our students and schools on a day to day basis. You hit the nail right on the head when you stated that it is not about the numbers but about what we do with the number of students that we have before us, as that is truly our case. Pope School has a high mobility rate, so our students transfer in and out regularly; but in spite of that and many other factors that impact our community, we still manage to help our students to progress to the next level, so whatever level they are on when they come to us, we teach them where they are and work to meet their overall needs.
I could go on and on, but I won't, as I could write a book. I do want to thank you again for your efforts in supporting our students here at Pope. In the best way possible, please let the donors and your board of directors know that Pope School students and staff are truly grateful for all that you have done to help our school community. Your kindness and support will always be appreciated!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
What a Night!
I couldn't have said it any better. Barb Ioli, in a late night email, said it best concerning the 'Appreciation Dinner,' which she proclaimed "what a night!" To a person, we all had a great time as we celebrated the many accomplishments of the charity at large and specific groups who give so much in order to assist Schools Count.
But the evening belonged to the various CPS and Harvey IL principals and school personnel who were in attendance. Each gave their own version of what it means to be able to support their students with new school supplies, uniforms, winter coats and the like which are provided by SCC.
The stories were touching! One principal fondly recalled a student receiving a North Face winter coat two years ago. This young student wore it every day for an entire winter. The next winter, having outgrown the coat, Ms. Pirtle remarked that the same coat had been passed along to a sibling. Other people, Ms. Ratajczak who is the LSC Secretary at Pickard Elementary, recounted with pride the accomplishments of the school. She is a significant stakeholder in Pickard. Four generations of her family have attended Josiah Pickard.
Every single principal gave thanks, without any previous prompting, to the donors and volunteers. Their words were truly moving and heartfelt. Yes, what a night!!
Dick
But the evening belonged to the various CPS and Harvey IL principals and school personnel who were in attendance. Each gave their own version of what it means to be able to support their students with new school supplies, uniforms, winter coats and the like which are provided by SCC.
The stories were touching! One principal fondly recalled a student receiving a North Face winter coat two years ago. This young student wore it every day for an entire winter. The next winter, having outgrown the coat, Ms. Pirtle remarked that the same coat had been passed along to a sibling. Other people, Ms. Ratajczak who is the LSC Secretary at Pickard Elementary, recounted with pride the accomplishments of the school. She is a significant stakeholder in Pickard. Four generations of her family have attended Josiah Pickard.
Every single principal gave thanks, without any previous prompting, to the donors and volunteers. Their words were truly moving and heartfelt. Yes, what a night!!
Dick
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A Time to Celebrate
Our charity has had other such events in the past. We've had two previous 'Appreciation Dinners' in the early days of Schools Count Corp. But this is the very first dinner that we have invited the principals of CPS and Harvey, IL schools to attend in order to come face-to-face with the very generous donors and volunteers of SCC.
This has always been part of my vision of Schools Count...having the recipients of the good works of our great benefactors meet one another. Sadly, and far too often, those who support charities rarely, if ever, get to know and understand the plight of those who they are assisting.
I know that's why the principals, who are attending tonight dinner, are making their way to Hinsdale. They are grateful for the help they have received in the past and want to show their appreciation. Of that, I have no doubt.
I'm looking forward to paying tribute to both those in the trenches and those who are willing to come to the aid of children who are trying to forge ahead.
See you tonight!
Dick
This has always been part of my vision of Schools Count...having the recipients of the good works of our great benefactors meet one another. Sadly, and far too often, those who support charities rarely, if ever, get to know and understand the plight of those who they are assisting.
I know that's why the principals, who are attending tonight dinner, are making their way to Hinsdale. They are grateful for the help they have received in the past and want to show their appreciation. Of that, I have no doubt.
I'm looking forward to paying tribute to both those in the trenches and those who are willing to come to the aid of children who are trying to forge ahead.
See you tonight!
Dick
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