Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
How do you recognize the problem, when on paper there doesn’t
appear to be any? In today’s CPS climate, where needs seem to be many,
how do officials really tell where to allocate funds?
When
a school is controlled by CPS, such as regional and selective
enrollment schools; where there doesn’t seem to be an overcrowding
issue (due to stabilized admissions), or underachievement issues (due
to the application processes to gain admissions), and no
racial/economic issues (due to the Desegregation Decree), the question
remains; what does it take to get attention for your school? By
creating a balance, they’ve paralyzed the schools’ ability and
opportunity to gain support from the very people who created the
programs. They’ve literally taken away any chance for federal NCLB and
limited the SGSA funds, not to mention the total inability to gain any
funding on their own behalf via grant-writing. So where should support
come from?
Many schools need answers to this
question. Money for schools controlled by CPS’s GEAP or the Selective
Enrollment Office is just not forthcoming. Never-mind that every square
inch of a building is being used for multiple purposes and student
instruction is going on in hallways. Don’t worry that student privacy
and confidentiality is compromised. Is it a problem that food is being
rolled out on carts to serve in classrooms, or that bathroom breaks are
scheduled to the minute since there is only one small set to meet the
needs of an entire school? On the paper that CPS Officials look at, it
certainly doesn’t appear that a true reflection of a school’s needs is
evident.
Take Decatur Classical School on the
Northeast side, housed in a “starter building” originally designed for
students Pre-K through 2, it has a student population of 270
Kindergarten through 6th graders. The small building was
built with the intension of expansion, with room to grow on either side
of the property, purposefully laid out by the architects who designed
it. Yet 30 years after it’s move to the building, Decatur still waits
for more space. With only one set of bathrooms, no lunchroom, no
gymnasium, no room for special education or any safe space as mandated
by the Emergency Management Plan, it has fallen on the parents and
community to support the building.
Money
raised by its PTA that should be going for enriching student
programming is being spent to upgrade the facility. Parents at Decatur
have raised over $50,000.00 annually to cover the costs of furniture,
safety equipment, student manipulatives and instructional tools to give
Decatur students a science/classroom. This combination room serves as
an upper grade classroom, and is used by every student in the building
during science class. The upper grade students have been displaced to
the Library which also houses music instruction, literacy operations
and is now reduced to a part time student Library, which by the way is
also functioning thanks to parents, as there is no money to hire even a
half-position Librarian.
While creative
fundraising, and crafty scheduling make Decatur work, they seem to be a
product of their own success. Again, how does a school like this get
the attention from CPS and the Board of Education?
Add
to this the ever-changing and highly competitive demand for slots at
Academic Centers, Decatur is now seeking a program expansion to include
a 7th & 8th grade. Serving the needs of its
current students and allowing for the growing population of qualified
students to gain entrance is a main concern for administrators, staff
and parents. Decatur hopes to gain CPS support for its 7th & 8thgrade program, following in the footsteps of Skinner Classical School
who received a program expansion and new construction. With a middle
school wing added to the school, it would allow for doubling of classes
while giving the upper grade students the opportunity to continue their
education without disruption at a critical age. (The year that students
transition to a new school, is also currently the year looked at for
High School placement.) The need to alleviate this stress and keep
continuity for preteen students is a common theme echoed by parents and
the staff alike. Principal Susan Kukielka, along with her LSC, supports
the needs of her community and is vying for an opportunity to present
her requests to the Board. With all that has happened with other
schools closing, relocating, or changing boundaries, the hope is that
CPS will come out and look at the school, not at a piece of paper.
Again, the question remains, how does a school like this get attention?
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Fri Jul 18, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
That's what you get when Americans continually vote for politicians who support the military-industrial complex. We spend more money on our military then the rest of the world combined. We also have 1% of our population in jail, far more than any other nation, even Communist China. No wonder we have no money for education.
Fri Jul 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
While most of the schools with significant needs testified at the Capital Budget hearings in May, some didn't. The Capital Budget still hasn't been released publicly, although what has been true for the past six or seven years has been a politically connected capital budget. As soon as a school (e.g., this month, Irving Park Middle) gets the clout nod, the dollars pour in. Meanwhile, most of the schools are given the runaround.
But here is something that might work.
Have a group of parents and students speak on the problems next Wednesday at the Board of Education meeting. Bring a portfolio of photographs, and have extra copies available to the press (although there are fewer and fewer reporters at these meetings, since the Tribune and Sun-Times have both cut back and unless there is something mediagenic the rest don't bother covering the CPS Board).
Also, lobby an alderman or three from among the wards where your parents reside. Start with the ward where the school is located (the 50th?) and go from there. But be patient, since you are about to begin getting more and more of the runaround.
But here is something that might work.
Have a group of parents and students speak on the problems next Wednesday at the Board of Education meeting. Bring a portfolio of photographs, and have extra copies available to the press (although there are fewer and fewer reporters at these meetings, since the Tribune and Sun-Times have both cut back and unless there is something mediagenic the rest don't bother covering the CPS Board).
Also, lobby an alderman or three from among the wards where your parents reside. Start with the ward where the school is located (the 50th?) and go from there. But be patient, since you are about to begin getting more and more of the runaround.
Fri Jul 18, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
Thanks for the advice. We did go before the Capital Improvement people in May at Bell School. We have Bernie Stone's backing as well, although what that means is still a question....
We have been getting calls from CPS, including Arne's office, but they are looking at a piece of paper and do not SEE that there is any issues that need their attention. How about giving attention first, then figuring out if there are issues, Mr. Duncan.
We'll keep on it, and plan to go downtown to speak to them all when they are in session......
Wish us luck.
We have been getting calls from CPS, including Arne's office, but they are looking at a piece of paper and do not SEE that there is any issues that need their attention. How about giving attention first, then figuring out if there are issues, Mr. Duncan.
We'll keep on it, and plan to go downtown to speak to them all when they are in session......
Wish us luck.
Fri Jul 18, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
They are in session all summer long. Board meetings still occur each month. Next one is next week. Not many go down to the board meetings in the summer. Why not start the discussion when things are slow and they are more likely to listen. Just a thought :)
Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 4:47 AM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
"...We'll keep on it, and plan to go downtown to speak to them all when they are in session....." (Decatur parent).
The next meeting of the Chicago Board of Education is on Wednesday (yes, next Wednesday, July 23, 2008). To speak, one must sign up in the lobby at 125 S. Clark St. between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Public participation begins at some point between 10:30 and 12:30, depending upon how much time the Board wastes on honors, retirements, and other stuff. (They've been extending the time wasters lately, almost as if they want the public participation to go away, instead of scheduling a second meeting every month for honors, retirements and other stuff).
If you bring a show-and-tell, be sure not to give every copy to the "Board". Save at least a dozen copies for the press, although there might not be that many reporters there.
The next meeting of the Chicago Board of Education is on Wednesday (yes, next Wednesday, July 23, 2008). To speak, one must sign up in the lobby at 125 S. Clark St. between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Public participation begins at some point between 10:30 and 12:30, depending upon how much time the Board wastes on honors, retirements, and other stuff. (They've been extending the time wasters lately, almost as if they want the public participation to go away, instead of scheduling a second meeting every month for honors, retirements and other stuff).
If you bring a show-and-tell, be sure not to give every copy to the "Board". Save at least a dozen copies for the press, although there might not be that many reporters there.
Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 4:59 AM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
Oh, by the way. When Rufus Williams says "There is no money for capital projects..." blah blah blah and asks you to go to Springfield because it's really Illinois -- not Chicago -- that is depriving your children of all this stuff, demand to know how many capital projects are going on right now -- and how the Board is paying for them.
Here's why.
One of the bigger lies CPS officials tell, from Gallistel to Decatur, is that Chicago has no capital money.
What they mean is that Chicago has no capital money if you are not on the mayor's list of favored projects. Everyone knows what these are outside of the schools (remember Millennium Park and its cost overrruns), but there are also dramatic ones within the school systems.
Right now, CPS is paying millions of dollars to rebuilt a West Side elementary school and make it into two high schools. (Grant, which is now the "Marine Military Academy" and the "Phoenix Army Military Academy" at 145 S. Campbell).
CPS spends millions every time it destroys a public school and creates a charter school in the same building (there are dozens of examples, but in the last three years, more than $40 million has been spent rebuilding Austin, Calumet and Collins high schools -- at public expense -- once they were privatized).
And CPS also spends millions once a neighborhood school is converted for special use to an elite community (a good example: Irving Park Middle School, which is being flipped to become "Disney II", in the "Old Irving Park community).
So when they tell you and Bernie Stone how much they love you, "But..."
Wait patiently, then demand to know where the money has come from for all these (and many other) clout heavy projects they began since the last time they told parents at real public schools, "We'd love to but there is no money and it's the fault of Illinois..."
I'm trying to think of the last time they put tens of millions of dollars into a public school that wanted to remain a public school (Westinghouse, maybe).
Their agenda is privatization and clout catering, not your children if you and your children demand traditional public schools. (Look at how they have begun to destroy Edison Gifted Center if you don't believe me).
But they can't say that out loud because the vast majority of the people of this city -- and this is very very true in the 50th Ward -- want true public schools, not all these goofy "choice" thingies they waste every tax dollar they can on. Get ready for a lot of lies, and for debunking each one as soon as you hear it.
Here's why.
One of the bigger lies CPS officials tell, from Gallistel to Decatur, is that Chicago has no capital money.
What they mean is that Chicago has no capital money if you are not on the mayor's list of favored projects. Everyone knows what these are outside of the schools (remember Millennium Park and its cost overrruns), but there are also dramatic ones within the school systems.
Right now, CPS is paying millions of dollars to rebuilt a West Side elementary school and make it into two high schools. (Grant, which is now the "Marine Military Academy" and the "Phoenix Army Military Academy" at 145 S. Campbell).
CPS spends millions every time it destroys a public school and creates a charter school in the same building (there are dozens of examples, but in the last three years, more than $40 million has been spent rebuilding Austin, Calumet and Collins high schools -- at public expense -- once they were privatized).
And CPS also spends millions once a neighborhood school is converted for special use to an elite community (a good example: Irving Park Middle School, which is being flipped to become "Disney II", in the "Old Irving Park community).
So when they tell you and Bernie Stone how much they love you, "But..."
Wait patiently, then demand to know where the money has come from for all these (and many other) clout heavy projects they began since the last time they told parents at real public schools, "We'd love to but there is no money and it's the fault of Illinois..."
I'm trying to think of the last time they put tens of millions of dollars into a public school that wanted to remain a public school (Westinghouse, maybe).
Their agenda is privatization and clout catering, not your children if you and your children demand traditional public schools. (Look at how they have begun to destroy Edison Gifted Center if you don't believe me).
But they can't say that out loud because the vast majority of the people of this city -- and this is very very true in the 50th Ward -- want true public schools, not all these goofy "choice" thingies they waste every tax dollar they can on. Get ready for a lot of lies, and for debunking each one as soon as you hear it.
Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 7:19 AM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
George is 100% correct above. CPS has also spent a lot of money working on buildings that closed a short time later and never reopened (Spalding, for example). Originally the staff was told that we would relocate as a class into other buildings in the area and then we were told that it would reopen as a high school for people living downtown. The building still stands empty with all the millions that were spent on it.
Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
Does anyone know what politicians are sensitive to these issues and would be willing to help get some attention for Decatur? One problem is that we are a regional school and while Bernie Stone says he'll help us, if his constituents balk at that, we fear he'll pull his support. He has plenty of neighborhood schools of his own. We do however have 30% of our students coming from the 50th Ward. What about the State Reps? Harry Osterman or Rahm Emmanuel? Silverstein? Anyone had any luck with them. Gary Chico got Skinner their 7th & 8th grade program, but 10 years later, they are still waiting to get into their new building. Luckily, we just want a wing!
Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
Dear Mr. Schmidt,
Thanks for your insight. I've enjoyed reading your articles in Substance.
Any more advice you can offer would be appreciated and should be directed to the LSC Chairperson via the www.decaturclassical.org website.
We need all the help we can get!
Thanks again.
Thanks for your insight. I've enjoyed reading your articles in Substance.
Any more advice you can offer would be appreciated and should be directed to the LSC Chairperson via the www.decaturclassical.org website.
We need all the help we can get!
Thanks again.
Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
Decatur Parent: Does anyone know what politicians are sensitive to these issues and would be willing to help get some attention for Decatur? One problem is that we are a regional school and while Bernie Stone says he'll help us, if his constituents balk at that, we fear he'll pull his support. He has plenty of neighborhood schools of his own. We do however have 30% of our students coming from the 50th Ward. What about the State Reps? Harry Osterman or Rahm Emmanuel? Silverstein? Anyone had any luck with them. Gary Chico got Skinner their 7th & 8th grade program, but 10 years later, they are still waiting to get into their new building. Luckily, we just want a wing!
Boy, sounds so familiar! If you want to know what support you'll get from your alderman, look up the Youtube videos from the Edison hearing back in February 8th. Our situation was similar insofar kids from the ward and trying to get the Alderman, reps, etc. to help our "regional center" stay in it's now former location. What a joke. Doherty came right out and basically said, hey, you guys are okay, but my constituents come first. He sat through the hearing whispering to Alderman Laurino most of the time. Very clear on the videos.
And as far as your comment "we only want a wing," there are some that claim that the whole idea of Edison moving began because a group of parents went to a CPS Capital Meeting to request an auditorium because the gym was always being used for something other than gym.
In other words, maybe you should be careful what you wish for! They may label you as elitists too!
Boy, sounds so familiar! If you want to know what support you'll get from your alderman, look up the Youtube videos from the Edison hearing back in February 8th. Our situation was similar insofar kids from the ward and trying to get the Alderman, reps, etc. to help our "regional center" stay in it's now former location. What a joke. Doherty came right out and basically said, hey, you guys are okay, but my constituents come first. He sat through the hearing whispering to Alderman Laurino most of the time. Very clear on the videos.
And as far as your comment "we only want a wing," there are some that claim that the whole idea of Edison moving began because a group of parents went to a CPS Capital Meeting to request an auditorium because the gym was always being used for something other than gym.
In other words, maybe you should be careful what you wish for! They may label you as elitists too!
Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Becareful
Becareful what you wish for indeed! You mind find your school sharing the facilities with Edison at the Albany Park location when AMPA moves.
Sun Jul 27, 2008 at 7:48 AM
Getting Help: A Parent's Lament
I have one at Edison also (and am on youtube) so I am trying to do this carefully. We just cannot remain competative in our current situation and our placements for 7th and 8th grade spots reflects that.
I know...we may get moved! But the situation at Decatur is different from the one at Edison. The now former location was old but had everything the kids needed, which is why it was a heartbreaking upheaval. While we'd prefer an addition, our main goal is additional space so if a move is enevitable so be it.
I know how things get played out in the media....I hope we can get some friends on board and not just get hit with "friendly fire"!
thanks for all your advice, keep it coming....
I know...we may get moved! But the situation at Decatur is different from the one at Edison. The now former location was old but had everything the kids needed, which is why it was a heartbreaking upheaval. While we'd prefer an addition, our main goal is additional space so if a move is enevitable so be it.
I know how things get played out in the media....I hope we can get some friends on board and not just get hit with "friendly fire"!
thanks for all your advice, keep it coming....
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