Counting Down To Midnight
Since "Ren-10 2.0" doesn't seem to be catching on, I'm still working on a good, catchy name for this latest and even more confusing than ever round of closings -- Arne's Anarchy, Barbara's Blast, Cunningham's Chaos, Dispensa's Derangement.
In the meantime, I have been briefed by CPS on the details of which schools are on which list (besides Edison and Andersen, which we already know about.
Check in after midnight and I'll post the details then. Apparently both dailies will have stories fleshing out some of the story in Thursday morning's paper, all in anticipation of a press conference at the Board sometime tomorrow. I wonder if they'll credit this blog (you) for getting the first few names and details about the plan ahead of time. Probably not.
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Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Counting Down To Midnight
"...Arne's Anarchy, Barbara's Blast, Cunningham's Chaos, Dispensa's Derangement..."
Good start.
But let's put the blame where it really lies: Not on the 5th floor at 125 S. Clark St., but three blocks north on the 5th floor at City Hall.
This is Daley's Destruction, no matter how much he sub contracts the mess. From the first day of this stuff in April 2002 until today, it's been a Daley operation, with approvals given by guys like Eden Martin in the shadows.
By the time tomorrow's 2:30 press conference is over, the official list is out, and the hearing schedule has been published, let's bet that hundreds of parents and children from all over the city will be adding to the titles for this horror show.
Today, only a few schools got up and denounced Arne and Rufus's attack on them and their children. By far the best organized was Edison, but Goldblatt, Andersen (along with Alderman Flores), and others also made great points.
Meanwhile, all Arne and Rufus could prattle about was "let the process" continue...
What process.
Once CPS approves the procedures for closing a school (and it's been different each time Arne's done it), the only thing on the agenda for each "hearing" is whether the guys from "Demographics" and "Accountability" have polished their Power Point stuff to a shine.
What people don't know is that the "process" is a simple rubber stamp, not a hearing at all, but a dog and pony show to humiliate parents, teachers and children who have to beg for their schools.
Not once has any member of the Board or any top official (Arne or Barbara) been at one of those "hearings." The Board stuffs the seats with hundred thousand dollar a year people in expensive suits and lame smiles, and the parents, students, teachers, and principals talk ernestly to them as if something were going to change.
It's a cynical charade that's been going on since I attended the first one, for Williams Elementary, nearly six years ago. We have more than 30 books of "hearing" reports, and all of them say the same thing. There might be a hundred pages of eloquent stuff from people at the school, but in the end, all the hearing officer is being paid (very well, by the way) to do is rubber stamp that latest atrocity.
I'd call it Arne's Atrocities. But it's really Daley's Debacle.
Good start.
But let's put the blame where it really lies: Not on the 5th floor at 125 S. Clark St., but three blocks north on the 5th floor at City Hall.
This is Daley's Destruction, no matter how much he sub contracts the mess. From the first day of this stuff in April 2002 until today, it's been a Daley operation, with approvals given by guys like Eden Martin in the shadows.
By the time tomorrow's 2:30 press conference is over, the official list is out, and the hearing schedule has been published, let's bet that hundreds of parents and children from all over the city will be adding to the titles for this horror show.
Today, only a few schools got up and denounced Arne and Rufus's attack on them and their children. By far the best organized was Edison, but Goldblatt, Andersen (along with Alderman Flores), and others also made great points.
Meanwhile, all Arne and Rufus could prattle about was "let the process" continue...
What process.
Once CPS approves the procedures for closing a school (and it's been different each time Arne's done it), the only thing on the agenda for each "hearing" is whether the guys from "Demographics" and "Accountability" have polished their Power Point stuff to a shine.
What people don't know is that the "process" is a simple rubber stamp, not a hearing at all, but a dog and pony show to humiliate parents, teachers and children who have to beg for their schools.
Not once has any member of the Board or any top official (Arne or Barbara) been at one of those "hearings." The Board stuffs the seats with hundred thousand dollar a year people in expensive suits and lame smiles, and the parents, students, teachers, and principals talk ernestly to them as if something were going to change.
It's a cynical charade that's been going on since I attended the first one, for Williams Elementary, nearly six years ago. We have more than 30 books of "hearing" reports, and all of them say the same thing. There might be a hundred pages of eloquent stuff from people at the school, but in the end, all the hearing officer is being paid (very well, by the way) to do is rubber stamp that latest atrocity.
I'd call it Arne's Atrocities. But it's really Daley's Debacle.
Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Counting Down To Midnight
from a reader:
"A little rumor on the street I heard was that Gladstone was going to Smyth. Meaning that the kids that went from Riis to Jefferson and Jefferson to Gladstone are now going from Gladstone to Smyth. Not sure how many students that will actually be, but potentially some of the children could be on their 4th school by forced CPS closings. Of course only time will tell if the Gladstone to Smyth rumor is true."
- -alexander
"A little rumor on the street I heard was that Gladstone was going to Smyth. Meaning that the kids that went from Riis to Jefferson and Jefferson to Gladstone are now going from Gladstone to Smyth. Not sure how many students that will actually be, but potentially some of the children could be on their 4th school by forced CPS closings. Of course only time will tell if the Gladstone to Smyth rumor is true."
- -alexander
Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Counting Down To Midnight
A friend of mine was notified that Carver Middle will be closing.
Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Counting Down To Midnight
I think all the Edison Parents should just unenroll their kids on the first day of school if they move. Let the school sit empty. The would of course have to enroll them in their neighborhood school or have a back up plan. But then CPS would have some explaining to do as to why they have a school with no students.
Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Counting Down To Midnight
What's different about Edison parents that they turn out and get quoted in the media? Are there lessons for other schools' parents? Please explain.
Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Counting Down To Midnight
In response to unenrolling the students on the first day. Then the Edison students would be pawns as if they haven't been treated that way already by the CPS that touts that they do what's best for the children. Right. BUT your idea did make me chuckle. :)
And what's different about the Edison parents? I don't think we're any different than other caring parents. This is what happens when someone COMPLETELY pulls the rug out from under you. And that's what CPS has done. No due process, no rights.
And what's different about the Edison parents? I don't think we're any different than other caring parents. This is what happens when someone COMPLETELY pulls the rug out from under you. And that's what CPS has done. No due process, no rights.
Sat Jan 26, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Counting Down To Midnight
I've also heard the Gladstone-to-Smyth rumor from a teacher at Gladstone.
Once again, the teachers have to endure the thrashing-out of this situation in the press. No wonder teachers become discouraged and leave the profession. Of course, this doesn't even begin to address the situation for the children, who are forced to re-establish themselves at a strange new school. Has anyone ever done a study of the problems that brings to the area?
Once again, the teachers have to endure the thrashing-out of this situation in the press. No wonder teachers become discouraged and leave the profession. Of course, this doesn't even begin to address the situation for the children, who are forced to re-establish themselves at a strange new school. Has anyone ever done a study of the problems that brings to the area?
