AUSL to the Rescue?

Let's see, AUSL's (the turnaround schools administrative arm) former board chairman is now the President of the CPS Board of Education.  Of course, he was hand picked by Mayor Emanuel.  A former top AUSL executive now oversees CPS finances.  No wonder there is a prolifieration of 'turnarounds' in the city.

When AUSL takes over an elementary school staff - teachers and principals - they are provided with funds to train the staff.  Each elementary school receives $300,000 for specialized training plus $420 per pupil.  So, a school of 300 children would garner an additional $126,000.  Often a school that becomes a turnaround also is provided with substantial money for building renovations.  Hmm...why didn't these modifications take place, previously, when the building was a regular neighborhood school?

By the way the total above, $426,000 (yes, almost $1/2 million) is over and above the regular amount of money which is provided to the schools in the CPS system.  And CPS is carps about a $1 billlion budget deficit?

I know one school, Barton Elementary, which is slated for a turnaround in the 2013-14 school year that could use just $200,000 of the $426,000 and REALLY make some great progress.  Barton, in fact, has already 'turned' the corner!   Just why Barton, and others, are to be dismantled - ALL of the staff is essentially fired - is beyond comprehension.

Like I said, AUSL to the rescue?  Hardly!

Dick