Marshall High and other turnaround high schools, in Chicago and nationally, face a thorny dilemma. Higher-performing students are being siphoned off through competition, driving down enrollment and raising tough policy questions about the future of these schools.
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Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
By: Alexander Russo / February 04, 2008
According to a Ravenswood parent who wrote in, "a weak turnout at an LSC election nearly 2 years
ago offered up 20 votes and a business-as-usual LSC consisting of 2
entrenched teacher reps (over a decade), 6 parent reps, 2
compassionate, well-meaning community members......and a principal who
was voted out of a job by a 6-4 vote in a rushed meeting last week."
Apparently the school has experienced an influx of middle class parents, attracted in part by new principal Erin Roche (pictured), a former Sabin and Telpochcalli teacher and New Leader trainee whose contract was not renewed despite high parent survey approval ratings last year. At issue is the usual stew of tensions around race, income, and Title I funding. Four parents joined the teacher reps to oust Roche, I'm told.
Anyone know anything more, or have anything to say about this? Has a CPS school ever gone through gentrification without major collateral damage? Nettlehorst? South Loop? Pritkzer? Sabin? It seems like things almost invariably go bad, at least partially, as things might just be getting better. Or maybe I'm just noticing the occasional flareups of an otherwise successful process.
There's apparently an LSC meeting coming on Thursday at 5:50 for Ravenswood Elementary.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
For all that defended him talk to the folks at Prescott. It is all happening again. He is about to get re voted on and meetings are taking place because of the way he disrespects parents and teachers. It should be about the kids and not people's personal agendas. All kids need an education not grown ups trying to prove who is better. Please show up to the next LSC meeting at Prescott. It is the 2nd Tuesday of April and hear what is going on there. Those teachers having issues need your support and stories to inform the LSC about th "TRUTH" It's for the kids!
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dear Curious Parent,
Start at the beginning of this thread and read down. It's pretty much all listed here.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
ravenswood parent, do you know where that money went? I am interested in finding out what the complaints were about Mr. Roche. Am looking into enrolling my son to his current school, Prescott. But I would like to know his history from Ravenswood.
Thanks
Curious Parent
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
meooooooooooooooow said the cat
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
dear people ravenswood school doesnt have a lot of money anymore because mr roche bought something elese with the money (not anything for the school)
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I do not see the need for such vitriol. But since I have been maligned, I do feel the need to respond.
To clarify--My professional capacity is working with teachers, schools and districts. That is my job. I do not work with Ravenswood. I work with other schools and other districts--most not even in Illinois. Feel better now?
As for Ravenswood, I volunteer there because it is my children's school. I have volunteered in my children's classrooms. It is what mommies do. I have also helped out in other classrooms where teachers have needed help. It's what parents and community members do.
As for the LSC, I was elected to serve on the LSC and have done so very well for two years and will do so again for another two years. I am intimately familiar with CPS budgets and the roles and responsibilities of LSC members. I worked for CPS for 15 years. I no longer work for CPS. My primary concern professionally and as an LSC member at Ravenswood and as a parent of children at Ravenswood is creating excellent educational opportunities for all children--not just mine--all.
For the record--the new principal is not a friend of mine. I met her during the interview process, as I did all the candidates. She is a nice person. She also will make an excellent principal of Ravenswood. That is why the LSC voted unanimously to offer her a contract. The process was conducted efficiently and expertly by all the members of the LSC and PSC. If teachers did not know there was to be an advisory poll at the Principal Candidate forum, they should address their colleagues on the PSC and LSC for the lack of communication. The vote itself was not binding it was an informal poll. The intention was to make the process as inclusive as possible. The process was not a joke. It was a long drawn out act of labor and love by parents, community members and teachers to make Ravenswood an excellent institution of learning. If you have any further questions or complaints, you may address the LSC at the next meeting June 5, Thursday at 5:30 pm in the Multipurpose room at the school.
Colleen McVeigh
Staff Developer, Teachers Institute, Washington DC
Facilitator, Rochelle Lee Fund, Chicago
Educational Consultant, DePaul University, Chicago
Ravenswood LSC Parent Representative
Mother to two children
20 year Ravenswood Community Member
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Didn't know the part about Prescott til yesterday, when I read the job bulletin advertising for an Assistant Principal at Prescott.
The address/phone number for [i]Prescott[/i] is listed as-
[i][b]4332 N. Paulina[/b][/i]
Chicago, IL 60614 (or GSR #35)
[b][i](773) 534-5525
(773) 534-5775[/i][/b]
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
here's the information from the school about the new principal selection [url=http://www.catalyst-chicago.org/RUSSO/index.php/entry/849/A_New_Principal_For_Ravenswood%2C_A_New_Job_For_Roche new=true]link[/url]
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Let it go.
There is a new principal. The old one is moving on. As long as you don't go to Prescott, you don't need to worry about Roche.
The teachers seem happy with the choice. If you are a teacher, you should be more professional than to continue to try to bring the school that you work at (or if you are a parent, the school where your children attend) down.There are lots of jobs out there, if you aren't happy, find a place where you will be.
It seems like 95% of people at the school want a good education and community for their children.
Give it a chance and maybe you will be happy. If you like to complain, this topic has been picked to death - find something new to criticize like the gas prices or funding for education. Continuing to badmouth everyone isn't helping anyone. Why would anyone want that for their school or their children?
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Yes, the member you speak of is "assisting" in her daughter's classroom and I'm not sure of her help in the others. We've all heard the rumor that her friend is the new principal that's been hired. Fair? Probably not. Not to also mention the teachers weren't told that there was going to be a vote at the forum held for the potential principal candidates. This vote was to apparently tally who teachers/community members/parents/students thought was the best candidate for Ravenswood. Nowhere on the flyers posted was it stated that a vote would be taken. The whole process has been a joke.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I think Hannah is a hoax. Can this really be real?
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
"...works with teachers to provide instructional and curricular support in differentiating instruction and meeting individual student needs, and assists teachers in using assessment to inform instruction in their classrooms..." How does this come under the purview of the LSC? Isn't their funtion to spend the chapter 1 funds, evaluate and hire principals? What is an LSC person doing in any classroom? "Assisting teachers???" Did I miss something?
What is "Hannah" doing on the blog? Shouldn't she assist someone with homework?
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Hannah is a literate Ravenswood student.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
OH BOO OOH to the people who wish he was stayin i go ravenswood an Mr.Roach (lol) is terrible he doesn't have a good disapline plan he never doea ANYTHING he spent all our money on the mulitmedia room an WIFI CONNECTION and other crap we dont need because of him Art,Musis an library are being cut so i hate him he sucks an it not just my opioion it s the 5-8 grades opinion we all cant stand him
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Moooooooooooo...said the cow.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
How is that teachers that aren't on the LSC have access to the applying principals' resumes at Ravenswood? Is this standard procedure and do ALL teachers have access to this if they aren't on the LSC or Principal Selection Committee? Just wondering.
No Longer Riled in Ravenswood
Thanks to everyone who voted yesterday in the Ravenswood Local School Council election. Over 100 votes were cast. The votes have been counted and the election results have been certified.
The new LSC will be seated July 1, and will serve for the next two years. The new LSC is comprised of:
PARENT REPRESENTATIVES:
Colleen McVeigh 78 votes (incumbent)
works with teachers to provide instructional and curricular support in differentiating instruction and meeting individual student needs, and assists teachers in using assessment to inform instruction in their classrooms. Colleen has done teaching, coaching and consulting work for DePaul University, University of Chicago, and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest as well as several other private and public organizations. She believes that in order for all students to achieve, rigorous expectations need to be communicated clearly to school professionals, parents, and the community.
Lisa DeYoung 63 votes
has over 20 years of both for-profit and non-profit experience focused on operational improvement of organizations and program development. She earned a Masters of Business (MBA) and Masters of Social Work (MSW) and has extensive experience with managing budgets, fundraising, and effectively working with diverse teams. Currently, she is the Director of National Programs at America’s Second Harvest, the largest domestic anti-hunger organization. She develops and manages national programs that feed low-income children and their families. She has been part of the Friends of Ravenswood for two years and has served as a room captain. She believes that parent involvement is key to a well-functioning school.
Greg Janes 61 votes
is the parent of three children who will all attend Ravenswood in the fall. He is currently a lawyer and is a former fifth grade teacher. He coaches his children's soccer and baseball teams. He is active in school activities and events. He has three priorities: to insure that all children are challenged, to provide before and after school activities for all, and to hold the teachers, parents and next principal accountable to the high standards that we expect for our school.
Carlos Beals 49 votes
is the parent of a current Ravenswood student and will have two more children enroll in coming years. He has a degree in aeronautical engineering, though currently works in risk management for an electronic futures trading company in the Loop. He believes every child should get the best possible education regardless of their background and believes an active LSC can make that happen by setting high standards and following through on the implementation of those standards at all levels - student, parent, teacher and administration. He also believes in supporting and expanding before- and after-school activities.
Andy McSheffrey 41 votes
has spent the last 20 years working with schools, government and private businesses helping people to confront issues that unlock and maximize their performance. Andy has worked extensively with teachers, coaches, administrators and students in schools throughout Illinois. He has worked with over 30,000 people to increase productivity and improve workplace dynamics. Andy has a Bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation and has done Masters Degree work in substance abuse counseling. He served in the Navy in Vietnam and has been trained in experiential education, outdoor survival and counseling.
Kristine Lontane 38 votes
is the full time mother of two Ravenswood students. She also works 5 days a week for River West Meeting Associates, a meeting planning company she helped co-found in 1997. A native of Vermont, she has lived in Chicago for over 15 years now. As a co-founder of a successful small business, she brings experience in working though growing pains, budgeting, planning and employment issues. Her passion however is community building and she hopes to help make Ravenswood a model community school.
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
Mary Lubben 44 votes
a resident of the community since 1994, is an executive with JPMorgan Chase. She has two children currently in CPS (Northside) with a third entering in the fall (Lincoln Park). She served for several years on the finance committee at her kids’ parochial school and assisted with fundraising efforts. She believes Ravenswood School is an underappreciated asset with enormous potential that would benefit from stable leadership and wider community support. She thinks that with her background she can be helpful on both counts.
Bonnie Perry 42 votes (incumbent)
is the rector/senior pastor of All Saints' Church. She believes that Ravenswood School should be an excellent School and she will work to make it so. She is deeply saddened by Principal Erin Roche's departure and will work to find a principal who espouses the ideals that Erin put forth. She is committed to increasing the community's connection to Ravenswood School and will use all of the resources of All Saints' Church and the church's not-for-profit, Ravenswood Community Services, to solidify this connection.
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES
Kitty Conde 20 votes (incumbent)
Tim Hart 20 votes (incumbent)
Peace. Out.
LSC voting
Election Process
Everyone over the age of 18 may vote at all schools where they are eligible. Parents may vote at schools in their area and any school where they have a child in attendance. Voters do not need to be citizens and are eligible at the elementary and high school in their area. Voters can vote for any combination of community and parent representatives, but may only vote for five candidates.
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_School_Councils
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
What if the school right by your house is a magnet? Can you vote in their LSC elections? AND your neighborhood school? Or if you can vote in both, do you have to choose one over the other?
Thanks!
Looking to the Future-- Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Thurs
RAVENSWOOD ELEMENTARY LSC ELECTIONS
Local School Council Elections are being held
on April 17, 2008 at your neighborhood
Chicago Public School. Polls are open at the
school from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Come out and make a difference in your community!
Local School Councils are the site-based
management team of each school.
Their primary
responsibilities include:
1. Selecting the school’s principal and
renewing the principal’s contract.
2. Developing the School Improvement
Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement
(SIPAAA).
3. Determining how the annual school
budget is allocated.
4. Creating a climate of high expectations
and accountability around
administrative and teacher performance.
Local School Councils are made up of
the principal, teachers, parents and
community members and consist of 11
voting members:
1 - Principal
6 - Parent Representatives
2 - Community Representatives
2 - Teacher Representatives
As a community member, you are eligible to vote for
up to 5 candidates on the Parent and Community Representatives ballot (one ballot).
Check the CPS website for the actual streets in the
Ravenswood community that can vote if you live
in the community. If Ravenswood is your neighborhood
home school, you can come down and vote, whether your
child goes to Ravenswood or not. Proof of residency is
required.
They Can Answer Your Questions For They are the LSC for Today
Curious George:
Its all good, some reductions in art and music and some losses in incremental stuff. Contact any of the existing LSC members for the particulars:
Abel Angeles (parent)
Marysol Angeles (parent)
Kitty Conde (teacher)
Liliana Dominguez (parent)
Tim Hart (teacher)
Rosie Hernandez-Pecararo (parent)
Colleen McVeigh (parent)
Bonnie Perry (community)
Helen Poot (community)
Jennifer Simokaitis (parent)
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
What happened at the LSC meeting on Wednesday?
Ravenswood progress
The Ravenswood LSC met last Thursday, April 3rd at both the Ravenswood school and the nearby Bethany Church basement, 4250 N. Paulina. The 2008-2009 budget was at the forefront.
The discussion is to be continued....
The LSC will continue their discussion of budget cuts this Wednesday, April 9th at 4pm, also at the Bethany Church basement. (check notices at the school doors for confirmation).
The meeting last Thursday was an open discussion about budget priorities. There were about 50 teachers and parents at the meeting. Teachers were really in force. The meeting was congenial and productive.
The total budget was not finalized, but the LSC did vote to continue all-day kindergarten. The BOE only funds half-day Kindergarten, so fundraising is ahead to keep the full-day Kindergarten.
Â
Still ahead this Wednesday are decisions on cuts that may/may not affect class sizes and ancillary classes such as library, art, music, and gym. Not all, just some. Where the cuts fall will inevitably be a “Sophie’s choice†situation. A reworked SIPAAA (school improvement plan) will also be tabled.
*****
The Principal Selection Committee, with alternates, have been in place for a over a month. The PSC is ongoing, with a goal of finding a new Principal by the end of this school year.
*****
In LSC news, the candidate forum held 2 weeks ago revealed 5 new parent representative candidates:Â
Carlos Beals
Lisa DeYoung
Greg Janes
Kristin Lotane
Andy McSheffery
Two parent representatives, Colleen McVeigh and Liliana Dominguez, are running for re-election.
3 people who are running for community representative are:
Â
Bonnie Perry, seeking re-election.
Mary Lubben and
Michael Matteson
The 2 long-term LSC teacher reps, Tim Hart and Kitty Conde, are also seeking re-election.
****
Readers of this blog are encouraged to observe the existing LSC meeting this Wednesday, April 9th at 4pm on the budget and the school improvement plan.
Those involved directly with Ravenswood Elementary are encouraged to vote on report card pick-up day, next Thursday, April 17th.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Call me ignorant, naive, whatever...but, I believe in LSC's and support their goal and purpose. I do think however, that they need much more support from CPS. I am on my school's LSC first as a community rep then as a parent rep and it has been a struggle to navigate the system but it is worth it. The only complaint I have is with the LSC Relations Dept - they are set up to be the support system for this group and they fail miserably. Although our LSC was dysfunctional for years, we are now working together to hire a new principal and from my perspective it is going well. LSCs are not the problem, the problems rests with the system set up to support their efforts - the LSC Relations Dept. Perhaps Ravenswood's loss will be our gain.
Just Asking
What is the connection between the former principal at Ravenswood and the current problems? Does she have trouble letting go? What's her relationship with the LSC teacher reps? And isn't she a member of the Golden Apple committee selecting award recipients this year? Aren't the two LSC reps nominated for awards? Interesting.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Reading all of this is so intense. It seems there is a big question on how the LSC's are actually run. I can say that the LSC at Blaine School is so toxic and vile that it's become the event to attend every month. This all came about because one parent is actually doing their job, asking valid questions regarding: SIPAAA & Budget and she's being deemed a trouble maker. It's like, "How dare you question the principal, or ask questions at all."
LSC's seem to be stacked with "entrenched" teachers who sit on there for years and years, parent reps who don't take their positions seriously or maybe they have their own personal agenda. The audience is filled with a "bully crowd" and NO ONE from downtown will look at what's happening! The AIO is involved in the cover and it seems downtown is too. Is it proper for schools to stack their accounts with 100's of thousands of dollars and not indicate what it's earmarked for? What is a reasonable amount of money to keep rolling over to the next year? Does money have anything to do with the principal at Curie not getting her contract renewed?
Seems that our state keeps talking about School Funding Reform, how can some schools hoard all of this money and not get it to the students and teachers? Some schools can hardly fundraise $1000. (instead of spending so much time on fundraising, we need to march on Springfield to demand REAL School Funding Reform! HB750 is still alive, www.ctbaonline.org)
The real issue is all about what is best for the students, their interest is suppose to be the focus! Not just select groups of students---ALL STUDENTS! The main focus shouldn't be how pretty the school grounds are, how good the playlots are. It's about the academics, the books, the needs of the teachers and students, low class sizes, teacher assistants, communication, etc...
The system is so unbalanced and dirty.
I'd love to see a blog set up to discuss LSC's.
Good luck to Ravenswood! I hope there's a good resolve for what's happening. Responsible parents & community people- get out there and get involved, turn it around. (That's what I hope happens at Blaine!) Speak up even if your voice shakes!
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The PSC was selected last Sat. with faculty and parents, with alternates after a training session with Dr. Bill Rice. Tonight is the 2nd of 3 forums this week in nailing down the schedule and moving forward towards reviewing resumes and setting up interviews.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The PSC was selected last Sat. with faculty and parents, with alternates after a training session with Dr. Bill Rice. Tonight is the 2nd of 3 forums this week in nailing down the schedule and moving forward towards reviewing resumes and setting up interviews.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Does anyone have an update about the process? Are people pleased with the composition of the PSC? Was the training for PSC useful? Is Designs For Change staying on to guide the process? What news is there related to Mr. Roche's appeal? Inquiring minds want to know....
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
others may know more, but my understanding is that the principal selection committee has been named and is being trained in preparation for a new search. this involves posting the job, interviewing candidates, and narrowing down to a set of finalists. in the meantime, mr. roche is continuing to share his past reviews and is appealing his dismissal. anyone know anything more?
-- alexander
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Anyone want to post an update about how things are going? Has PSC been finalized, etc.?
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Thanks, Natalie for pushing this forward in a positive way.
I have gotten some new insight to what parents (from grades other than my children) are looking for and what teachers may be looking for. I am looking forward to being an active part of the SIPAAA and PSC along with parents from other grades and teachers from all grades/subjects.
It would be a shame if the issues of the past month pull the school's reputation and forward momentum down.
By the way -- I would make #3 on the PSC list of five :)
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
As of this time stamp today, parents interested in being a part of the Principal Selection Committee have not been notified that their applications are received. A posting on the door today reveals that "training" for the PSC will take place this Sat. from 10am -12noon BEFORE applicants are chosen to be a part of this process in the longer term. (Isn't that sweet-bippy backwards?) After that, a selection of "the chosen" is made with a meeting at Admundsen High School. Why that isn't being held at Ravenswood is beyond me. Dr. Bill Rice from LSC oversight is doing the training. Maybe that is a good thing, 'cause this LSC hasn't a clue about procedures.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I think you meant February 20th and 21st in your last posts.
Thank you!
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
What happened to the reasons for the principal contract at Curie not being renewed? The arbritation is over and the principal lost. So what were the reasons, so no one blames the LSC.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Great Idea! I will work on that today!
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Natalie,
You are right. May I suggest that you hand out flyers to parents that you see after school. List the dates and other relevant info regarding the possibility of their involvement with any of these committees etc. In my experience, people need a lot of coaxing and for things to be made as easy as possible in order to consider taking on extra work.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
To 'Dear Talk is Cheap'
Oh, by no means do I say that this blog and getting involved at the school are mutually exclusive. I am all for venting and getting frustration out even if it has to be anonymously. And, I agree, this blog can serve to set the direction for a future course of action at the school.
But, when there are only 5 Principal Selection Committee (PSC) member applications, and less than that for the LSC at this time, it has to make me wonder when people are going to start acting!
The energy put forth on this blog could ALSO be used to further the efforts at Ravenswood is all that I am saying.
So, I hope to see you all there at SIPAA meeting this Thursday night, January 21 from 5:00-7:00 pm.
And, I hope to see your your PSC application in the LSC mailbox in the LSC mailbox by the extended deadline of January 20.
I am also looking forward to seeing you at the FORS meeting on Monday night, January 25 at 6:30 at Bethany Church.
Just for future reference, the next LSC meeting will be on March 5 at
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Don't create a false dichotomy. Writing on this blog and getting involved with the committee are not mutually exclusive. Writing on this blog can serve important functions like setting the direction for a future course of action.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
By the way, I know that many of you who have contributed to this blog are actually doing a lot of work toward making Ravenswood successful.
Thank you for your commitment and support.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I appreciate everyone's comments here...the negative and the positive. And, I appreciate the time you have taken to continually visit this blog to "set records straight", give opinions and state facts.
Now, why doesn't everyone here take this energy and APPLY it to what is happening in the school. For all of you who have so much time on your hands to write lengthy blog comments, start being proactive! Be a candidate for the upcoming LSC elections at Ravenswood School. Teachers and parents, why not become a member of the Principal Selection Committee? Apparently, only 5 applications have been submitted, including mine and my husband's. Everyone should be attending meetings of SIPAA, NCLB, BAC, FORS and the LSC.
I have not been on this blog as of yet because I am spending my time rallying support within the school!
If you really do care about what happens to all of the children at Ravenswood, start getting involved.
Talk is cheap. It is time to take some action.
Natalie Waechter
Mom of a kindergarten at Ravenswood.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Some points I'd like to reinforce:
- measuring the improvement in acceptance rate for Ravenswood Students going into high school would be a very poor indicator of Erin Roche's performance. As stated above, Mr. Roche started in 2005/2006. The children who will have benefitted the most from the changes he brought with him are now in the 2nd through 4th grades. Like a plant that has been through hard times, the resuscitation starts at the roots, works and begins working its way up the stalk, even while some of the leaves still show signs of the hard times experienced earlier. So you will see the grades and test scores reflected at Ravenswood. Ravenswood was not a disastrously performing school prior to Mr. Roche coming on board, but it was underperforming vs. the state and national averages. The test scores show that since his arrival, particularly in the earlier grades, the school was beginning to catch up quickly. And the improvement affected [u]all[/u] demographics in those age groups, which is why the class-based resentment echoed here by the champions of status quo and divisiveness is utterly ridiculous.
- hinging the direction of Ravenswood school on maximizing Title I funding is disastrous in terms of vision. That's like a Major League Baseball team focusing its strategy on maximizing the amount of luxury tax profit it receives from other teams in the league instead of trying to boost attendance by winning some games. Let Title I come as it may. We have Title I families at Ravenswood and that is absolutely fine. To manage the school in such a way as to actively seek Title I funding is a backwards strategy. Let's focus on increased funding from overall attendance, and from the new, more flexible, less-limited funding that the involved parents group FORS can bring in. The parental involvement that FORS brings to the table is not exclusive in terms of types of parents and families involved, and can bring in more money than simple parental donations (fund drives, political awareness, state/local funding, corporate matching, etc.). Putting all of the chips on Title I is short-sighted and uninspiring. Check out some of the other examples of successful "turnaround" schools on the North Side and you'll see that Title I funding concerns are well back in the rearview mirror and nobody worries about them anymore. Ravenswood can and should do the same.
- I believe that there really are some Ravenswood teachers on this blog throwing out their tired and desperate sentiments of status quo and divisive exclusion. I don't think that uninvolved parties are trolling this blog looking to start up a rau for the fun of it. Take note that in years past, before the improvements and involvement that Erin Roche helped to inspire, there was a lot less involvement and attention to the issues at Ravenswood (facts about low LSC meeting turnout, low Parental involvement in the school have been cited by several parties, and I've heard those comments myself from teachers and parents at the school). The passions arising right now are genuine on both sides of the dispute. The forces who wish to fight change and who resent any change in the overwhelming Hispanic population % are real people, and some of them are teachers.
- I can attest that Mr. Frank is a real person. He is not 'Courtney'. He is a concerned and involved parent who is upset at a what really is a bad decision by the LSC.
- Erin Roche is not involved in any of the outpouring of comments on this blog. Even his letter and quotes were posted here by Ravenswood parents, and not at his direction. I'm very disappointed in the decision by the LSC not to renew his contract, and I [b]know[/b] the decision was a mistake. And contrary to what the forces of status quo think, Erin and I have only spoken briefly a couple of times when I was evaluating the school. He does not spend his time fawning over the "new" parents. He wouldn't remember me if you tied him up and waterboarded him. He has been far to busy working on many, many fronts to improve teaching, learning, facilities, funding, etc. to be lobbying any demographic for any particular agenda. The fact that he's too busy working on behalf of all students to remember me or to stop by and lobby me for money because I'm a "new" parent is indicative of his focus and I admire him for it. The fear and resentment issues presented by the folks behind his ouster are just ridiculous. His methods are sound, his approach is professional, and the improvements he brought to the school are real, measurable, and valid. The personality issues I can't answer as they are entirely subjective, but his attempts to connect to the Hispanic culture at the school are impressive and laudable to me, and the criticisms I've heard here are petty and disingenuous as far as I'm concerned.
- to the parents who are questioning whether Ravenswood school is the right school for their children, please hang in there. If we join together firmly, politely, and with the clear mission to improve Ravenswood for all students (regardless of background), we can continue the turnaround despite the negative voices and the bad decision on Erin Roche. Improvement and change can be achieved. Let's put our collective positive energy back into that mission.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Lewis--
Thanks for taking the time and effort to clarify issues regarding Title 1 around Ravenswood. I humbly apologize for any cavalier remarks in this area. I am merely troubled by the unsubstantiated specter of funding loss juxtaposed with incoming families, which has clear inroads to the teacher rep(s). I will not participate in the training, but thank you anways, and rest assured, there will be interested parents attending.
Kristin Lotane and Concerned Parent--
Thank you for the first-ever, unbiased and diplomatic overview of the situation at large, you exhibit much-needed sanity, and I hope you run for the LSC this Spring, for I will vote for you.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Lewis--
Thanks for taking the time and effort to clarify issues regarding Title 1 around Ravenswood. I humbly apologize for any cavalier remarks in this area. I am merely troubled by the unsubstantiated specter of funding loss juxtaposed with incoming families, which has clear inroads to the teacher rep(s). I will not participate in the training, but thank you anways, and rest assured, there will be interested parents attending.
Kristin Lotane and Concerned Parent--
Thank you for the first-ever, unbiased and diplomatic overview of the situation at large, you exhibit much-needed sanity, and I hope you run for the LSC this Spring, for I will vote for you.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I'm doubtful that the Title 1 funds are really that much of a motivating factor. First of all, having more children of low SES status tends to result in low test scores (because these scores correlate so closely to SES status), more discipline problems (because some of the families are low SES due to a myriad of disfunctional family issues like mental illness or drug addiction), and the need for expensive remedial education. I'm not so sure that by the time you take those expenses into account that you come out ahead by gaming the system to have the most title 1 students as possible.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Lewis--
Thank you for your thorough explanation of Title 1 specifically at Ravenswood. I was cavalier with my comments, and I stand corrected. I don't think I will personally will find the training productive, but I do know parents who will. I apologize if I was offensive, truly.
Concerned Parent--
Your post is comprehensive and offers the best, diplomatic overview of the situation with the same question mark(s) as I have. I hope you will run on for the LSC because I believe you to be fair minded.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Kristin,
Wow. You are to be commended for your energy and efforts. I was shocked when I discovered that the schools in Lincoln Park did not have the same resources as the schools in Englewood. It seems upside down, doesn't it? Defies our stereotypes about the "inner city schools". It isn't exactly a "welfare mentality" though. Those extra dollars are meant to provide additional resources for at risk kids. That is important and necessary. At risk kids should get extra support, I think. It is unfortunate though, that when schools are faced with a shift in student population, there is a financial incentive to resist an influx of middle class students. This is where leadership, planning, and communication become so important. The good news is that if the earlier post citing $600 and change per pupil is correct, that is not an insurmountable fundraising goal. I would happily write a check for that amount, and I am person of modest means.
I'll bet many regular readers will be interested to hear your thoughts about other schools and how they have bridged the transistion. There was a Catalyst article a while back which highlighted the fundraising success of these ancillary parent groups across the city. Might be interesting too.
Finally, while the "keep out you're not wanted" commentaries may not have actually come from teachers, there does seem to be a dearth of posts about what they are hoping to achieve going forward. Why is that? I can't help but believe that there is more common ground here than these posts reflect.
Things I've been thinking about - for what it's worth
I agree with both of you. I have spent the past few days pouring over SIPAAA documents for a variety of Chicago public schools. I have also been reviewing the Ravenswood budget information that is available. My take away is that there is indeed a flaw in the system and I think that the budget is not a peripheral discussion. It seems that there is a "welfare mentality" in some Chicago public schools with Ravenswood being at the forefront. As was mentioned above, schools are not reward financially for doing well but rather for attracting families that qualify for NCLB funds. We are not on a level playing field but I am out investigating schools that have handled this situation better. I'm not sure if the climate is conducive to actually taking a hard look at all the issues because it can't be boiled down to one simple issue - just one precipating event. Furthermore, I think "concerned" has hit the nail on the head that there is a perception that the teachers are running the school. If that is true, are we just hitting our head against the wall because so many of them have been there so long that they are tenured and can afford to dedicate all their time to this issue because it is their "primary" job rather than our (parents) "second" job. Just some things to chew on.
Thought for the day "Always hold firm to the thought that each one of us can do someing to the bring some portion of misery to an end."
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Anything is possible, when people working together are
working towards the same goal.
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
As I read through all these postings, I can't help but think that when it comes down to it, I still feel like the fundamental question of "How will our children best be served?" gets lost in the clutter. The Ravenswood problem, as it stands now, is so multi-layered. Yes, it has stirred up emotions about class and employer/employee relations. It has made people say some terrible things. It brings us to the Title I discussion, which shouldn't even be a discussion, because you can't make decisions based on how to keep those funds - if your school demographics are changing, they're changing. But, ultimately, it should be about wanting a principal that will try to achieve a good education for the kids in the school. I do believe Erin Roche was whole-heartedly trying to accomplish this. I also believe he is somewhat introverted and maybe not as transparent or out-going as people would have liked. I think the attacks about discipline are outrageous. The numbers for disciplinary actions at Ravenswood are very good. I think they are no worse than with the previous principal, and that much of what is discussed about is anecdotal and not based on a true comparison of principal to principal. Test scores are up, and I don't think it's only because the tests have been dumbed down. Not to mention, it's hard to judge students in the upper grades, and would be more accurate to see how students who have learned under Mr. Roche's leadership over a number of years have fared. My BIGGEST concern is that there is a feeling that the school is teacher run, in that they can oust a principal so easily. There are some great teachers at Ravenswood. But, there are a lot of teachers who have taught the same lessons plans for years and are unwilling to learn new techniques and catch up to current education standards. It's ridiculous. I've talked with student teachers coming out of school and they are appalled that teachers are still using Basil readers and teaching the same way they did 10 or 15 years ago. In any profession, there is a certain amount of continuing education, where you need to keep yourself current with your profession, and I think many teachers are unwilling to do this. Yes, it's more work, but only until the new technique is learned. The bottom line is, it is essential for the teachers to make the transition, so the kids are getting the best education possible. How can they possibly succeed as they head of to high school, if they're receiving a second rate education? It would seem to me that this also drives the Title I discussion, as with Title I funds, it's free money and does not actually have to be earned with performance. If teachers are no longer willing to be the best teachers they can be, how can we expect them to be making good educational decisions for our children on a daily basis? That question haunts me.
Many people want this to be about class or race, but that line has been drawn by parents who have been at the school longer and seem threatened by change. Change is hard, but it's not necessarily bad. New families have also brought in a lot more volunteerism and fundraising for the school. I think some of the feeling that Erin Roche is more friendly to certain parents (that happen to be white, or newer, or middle-class, or however you want to define them) has to do with the fact that they are at the school volunteering time all the time. He is familiar and appreciative. And, as I mentioned, he is somewhat introverted. I have volunteered at the school, and I have the occasional conversation with Erin Roche, when I have a question and set up an appointment to talk. But, I take no offense when we pass and nothing is said. I have no doubt that the parents who complain that he'll only give him "two minutes" don't make an appointment. I am confident that if they asked for one, he'd be happy to oblige. That's how a meeting is made. The newer parents coming in embrace the diversity of the school and many have chosen the school based on this quality. We want it to be a unified school, we want parents to want to work together to make the school the best it can be for our children. It would seem that that would be a simple idea to implement. Don't we all want a great education for our kids?
Finally, this is NOT about gentrification. The neighborhood that Ravenswood serves has included an affluent and middle-class component for many many years. It's nothing new. Most of these people don't send their kids to Ravenswood, they go to private schools. The influx of middle-class families is not related as much to gentrification, but more to a feeling that families living in the city feel like they should be able to send their kids to a public school and they chose Ravenswood based on the merit of Erin Roche and some of the teachers he hired (some of which I'm sure we'll, sadly, lose). Many are out of boundary enrollees, but that shouldn't ruffle anyone's feathers, as many of the lower-income kids are out of boundary as well. It's change people. It might be uncomfortable, but you need to deal with it. You should feel proud that they chose this school.
Unfortunately, no matter what the outcome, Ravenswood will backslide at least a few years of it's progress, simply by the loss of confidence in the school and the loss of good teachers that will certainly happen with Erin Roche's departure (teachers he already hired or teachers he would have hired).
I want the best possible education for my child and I think I should be able to get that in a public school. I'd like to be able to get that in my neighborhood school. Is that possible?