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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Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
By: Sarah Karp / March 15, 2010
CEO Ron Huberman gathered together all principals and chief area officers Monday morning to tell them to prepare for the worst, presenting them with a detailed list of sacred cows that would have to be cut with if state legislators don’t find more money for schools next year.
CEO Ron Huberman gathered together all principals and chief area
officers Monday morning to tell them to prepare for the worst,
presenting them with a detailed list of sacred cows that would have to
be cut with if state legislators don’t find more money for schools next
year.
Among the cuts: increasing class sizes to 37; slashing money for
magnets, gifted and International Baccalaureate programs, including
scrapping all transportation to them; cuts from bilingual and early
childhood education; 18 percent cuts in per-pupil funding provided to
charter schools; and perhaps cutting assistant principals. (Here is Huberman's Power Point. Skip to page
25 and 26 for the breakdown.)
Huberman would also like to get the teachers' union to agree to forgo teacher raises that were promised in the last contract. But the list he released Monday were of areas he could control.
This meeting was clearly a way to rally principals into action, with
Huberman telling principals to “raise hell,” according to one, who asked
not to be identified. Principals will be getting letters to send out to
parents and are encouraged to have teachers, and even students, write
letters.
CPS is facing a budget deficit of almost $1 billion, the result of
increased costs, a huge payment due to the teachers’ pension fund and
declining state and local tax revenues. Huberman has been lobbying state
lawmakers to let the district off the hook for some of the pension bill
and to increase the income tax.
It’s unclear whether state lawmakers will take any action.
Huberman told principals that they will need to prepare their budgets
for next year as though the district will get no more money, according
to his PowerPoint presentation. If more cash comes in, they can build
the budgets back up quickly.
The other option, the one Huberman doesn’t want to take, is to "bury
their heads in sand" and then be forced to make reductions at the last
minute. Over the next month, principals will start their budget
preparations for next year.
Clarice Berry, head of the Chicago Principals’ Association, said she was
disappointed at what she terms “misinformation” being given out by the
district.
In elementary schools, for instance, assistant principals are classified
teaching positions (principals usually find a way to free them from
teaching duties). These positions, Berry says, are vital to everyday
operations because AP’s handle discipline and are second in command when
principals are unavailable.
Berry says that Huberman’s staff erroneously told principals they would
be able to choose who would be laid off. Not true, Berry says—school
mandates and the union contract stipulate who can go and who can’t.
The principals understood that the scenarios presented were “fluid,” but
Huberman’s presentation did scare them. “My phone has been ringing of
the hook,” Berry says.
One principal at a West Side school says he and his colleagues took the
news seriously and are frightened. “Wow,” he says.
Spokeswoman Monique Bond says Huberman went over the cuts and 536
layoffs that he made over the last year. Last month, Huberman said he
planned to layoff 500 more workers in mid-March, but has yet to do so.
Bond says positions have been identified, but that pink slips haven’t
been issued yet and she’s unsure when that will happen.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
If Huberman wants to get rid of the the top (read "highest paid) end of the teaching force thinking that will save money, let him offer
a 5+5 buyout! Most teachers at my level (57 with 25 years of service) would be gone in a nanosecond. Remember: he is a money guy; he is absolutely not a people person.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Daley can free up the money in his private piggy bank.
Read the archives in the Chicago Reader.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Cont...
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I know this is serious...but I can't stop laughing everytime I look at those power point slides that look like something my kids would create.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Any CEO who met with his managers (like today) would have REAL numbers and decisions made ready to share. Like AVID--this program should have been dropped in June 2009. IB-just with applications, Ron now scares the bjesus out of parents-which will hurt LPHS. If he closes magnet programs, will the (hidden) administrators/consultants of these programs really be let go or still continue to hide in the shadows? He is in over his head and he ain't that tall.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
why is she there with her $$$ salary? She says nothing on stage today. She does nothing. Ron--he hired more and gave raises to the CAOs--where is his responsibility for this? CAOs should PAY IT BACK!
Wait until the scores come out--we will see the difference CAOs made for the $$ they're paid. (NONE)
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
So many would take this, but this costs CPS $. It is far cheaper to chase older teachers out. And it you are to live in the city and don't or have not renewed your certificate--you are OUT> Cheaper still!
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Hyde Park Johnny over at Daily Kos says just as Huberman is set to lay of tenured teachers and cut programming due to a $1 billion budget deficit, the district is advertising for new teachers out of state and holding secretive job fairs, inviting selective applicants to attend.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/9/03521/62126
The uncovering of the hundreds of advertised jobs came from a tip from a reassigned teacher that was attending the Lake County teacher fair and happened to talk to a student teacher in CPS.
A reassigned teacher sent an email, "I was talking to a CPS student teacher this morning. There is a job fair on April 10. She said that as a student teacher she received a pass to let her in early. If this is true, shouldn't displaced and reassigned teachers the same priority admission?"
Although CPS human resources websites say nothing about needing new teachers, a website from Austin, Texas says the city is looking for 655 new teachers and school staff.
http://www.educationamerica.net/
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I also was sent an email from a teacher outside of CPS who went to a job fair for CPS teachers. How is this possible when we are cutting teacher positions? Is it really true that they are trying to get rid of anyone with over ten years to make way for cheaper teachers? Also, before Huberman starts cutting teacher positions, how about getting rid of all the consultants we fly back and forth or some of the costly initiatives that have failed,ie. CNTC,Math and Science Initiative, etc. How about all of the consultants we pay for CPS University? Are you aware that we fly them back and forth each wee, pay hotel and food costs, plus salary? Go on the second floor of Elizabeth and look at all the young people we employ at CNTC to "coach new teachers." Watch all the NTC materials, food and conferences we spend millions on. Cut this waste first. That would save at least a hundred good teachers right there!
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
First, the contract states the maximum number of students in a class. Unless the contract is renegotiated, I don't see how Huberman can do this. He might try, but ?
He is already getting rid of tenured teachers by using turnaround schools, eliminating programs and then reinstating them under a different name.
And, several people have told me that principals have been told not to hire reassigned teachers because they are too expensive. This is despite the contract saying such teachers should be given priority in hiring
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I am one of those displaced tenured teachers NOW a cadre sub.
It is true. Get rid of highly qualified experienced teachers with more than a BS or a BA, that have more than 5 years of experience to reduce costs.
BUT
there is a revolving door policy with CPS as well. Many 2nd and 3rd year teachers were clicked off as well because they may one day secure TENURE.
So keep that revolving door policy going Mr. Huberman. Prove that CPS schools fail because you promote failure by getting rid of stability and expertise in education.
You're doing a great job Mr. Huberman, keeping your CAO's, your buddies from the CTA, expensive PR Firms and law firms with multi-million dollar contracts and whatever. Waste should be your middle name Mr. Huberman since you signed for countless dollars at the 911 center for equipment never received.
Yes Mr. Huberman, I may now turn into journalism and begin to write like Mr. Walter Jacobson.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
The contract actually does not allow the ctu to have any say over class size. The number 28 really doesn't count for anything because we are not as a union allowed to take action against class size. It is a "rule" with no bite to it.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Ron huberman has never been in a class room. We should implement a "Teacher for a Day" instead of "Principal for a Day" just so that he and others who have never taught a class before can see what we teachers deal with on a daily basis. Why all this underhand & dishonesty? Don't you know Mr. huberman that if you make a mistake they will find you in the river like Mr. Scott. Do the best thing and keep good qualified teacher; give displaced teachers the same benefits you give others, like letting them know about these job fairs. Stop paying your friends or people you and Mayor Daley like all this money, that is why we do not have money. When the scores come out you will see just what your CAO's are doing, NOTHING!! Why are you and the others trying to set our school system up for failure. Our children deserve better. You can get a good quality education in our system, I did, my daughter did, and I know lots of others who did. What school does your children go to?
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I don't know what to say except that I never thought that it would come to this. What is really going on? Why does everyone want to mess with CPS? we have a good school system. It really does work. I think that the best thing done to help our children was having the eight transition schools. Paul Vallas did a great thing when he did this. This really helped our children. We should implement programs that will promote good education and higher learning instead of trying to find a way to get rid of teachers, adminstrator, etc., I am a firm believer that GOD is still on the throne, and Large and in Charge; no matter what you say, he will have the final say. You need to be very careful of the decisions you are making involving people's life. HE is watching you.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
This kind of mess is what happens when "bean counters" not educators are put in charge of school systems. As Chicago teacher posted, class size is a "permissive" area of negotiation, not "mandatory". Theoretically, teachers could not strike because of it. However, since he's also saying that wage freezes have to happen, then...I've never been in a strike, but I'm dang sure looking forward to it. One of the veterans in my building has already got us fired up!
Stand up and be counted like humans not beans!!!
CORE PAT (would like to keep my job)
Sucks, don't it?
The reality of the situation is that CPS has a huge hole in the budget (something on the order of one BILLION dollars). Some of this is just the current economy (CPS had to pump a couple hundred million bucks into the pension fund, because the law says it has to be funded at 90% of its value, and it lost half of its equity when the stock market tanked; ISBE themselves admit that they're supposed to give us $650 million that they just aren't going to give...)
The first thing Huberman did was to cut 1/6 of the central office workforce, and give a 3% paycut to the rest-- that was last year.
This year, he's cutting another 1/5 of the remaining non-union workforce, and giving a 6% paycut to the rest...
AFTER that, we've got this billion dollars to come up with. The CTU president sent out letters to all members (I figure that's got to cost $10,000, just for the mailing) saying that the Union won't budge an inch.
So, if the CTU isn't willing to even sit down and discuss options, then CPS has to do whatever it can. And it CAN ignore class size restrictions.
In other words, the CTU can come to the table and talk, or it can have class sizes balloon, so that a bunch of teachers can be cut outright. Which do you want your union to do for you?
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
"We are simply out of options," CTA chief Ron Huberman said, acknowledging the "tremendous hardship" that will force 250,000 people to find a new way to get around each day. "This is grim. This is difficult. This will impact people in a very terrible way," Huberman said.
Oct 12, 2007 12:48 pm US/Central
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/CTA.doomsday.cuts.2.342703.html
This guy huberman is a scam artist who helps to pilfer public funds for private gain: Daley's Chainsaw Al!
CHAINSAW: The Notorious Career of Al Dunlap in the Era of Profit http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_42/b3651099.htm
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I agree with Jamey. The union must come to the table with the attitude of listening and not election year politics. Children's lives are at stake.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Seems to me that this Power Point sent out by Huberman continues to point the finger at unions and at the state. Where is the recognition by CPS that it has wasted money over the years? Charter schools that show no difference in student learning and nonpayment into the pension fund from 1995-2005 have contributed to this finacial debacle. Seems to me this was created to get the public to look at teachers as being the blame for the crisis. Now CPS and Huberman will sit back and see if the public jumps on thier bandwagon so they can really push us as being the bad guys.
Jim Cavallero
Member of CORE
Coming to BACK Chicago schools: TIF money?
Huberman: We are out of options.
Not true. TIFs took $250 million away from schools last year:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-public-schools-cps-cutbacks...
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Regarding Jamey's comment. Since I am no longer a member of CTU I have nothing to say about whether or not members should accept possible changes to their contract. But I would ask people to consider that the current fiscal problem are not likely to end in FY 11, but are likely to continue to go into FY 12. So what is to stop CPS from asking for yet more concessions next year?
It could be wiser to examine the deficit in detail and if necessary take lay offs rather than concessions which may not stop. But first CTU should basically go to the level of a forensic accounting analysis of the CPS general ledger, cash flow analysis for the last year, and various reserve requirements to verify the perspective CPS has presented.
Rod Estvan
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Ron would prove leadership IF he would document $ due to the CTPF based on Daley's renig of the '95 agreement AND mentioned TIFs. A CEO independante of the eternal mayor, would have done this.
It is a most dangerous game Ron and Daley play.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
too much new stuff has been done at CPS. Turning schools into year round; instead of shutting down in summer. That would save a bundle of money. Paying retired Principal tons of money to walk around and mentor new Principals. Years ago; Principals didn't have mentors. Now you have all these Reading Specialists each time you change a program. Save money. Teachers were instructed in college. Years ago; that was all they had to do. It worked. Those people are getting paid big bucks. That can be saved. Now you have CAO's that takes up a big chunk of the budget. They are not needed either. The big picture of horror is having 37 students in a classroom. Now that will be hard to teach. You won't be able to teach for trying to control the class ALL day. Then teachers will be having health problems because of the stress. 37 children is just 3 shy of 40. Again; not healthy for anyone. Hopefully the people will go on and pass that 1% so Mr. Quinn can turn the money loose.He will not prosper from this if he is wrong. People doing wrong never do. But when educators have devoted their heart and soul to educating children; it should be something that is respected. Not a lot of people like to deal with children. It's really hard. Hopefully the board is not throwing in extra proposed cuts; just because wanted to do this anyway. Somehow I have that gut feeling. Opening up all these so called outstanding schools. A waste of more money. Why are the children of the city still acting the same; if not worse. To many bright ideas started with this Renaissance thing. Now the Nation is being messed up the same way. I have never seen it like this. Young educators don't stay. Why should they put up with the headache. Teaching is not a good choice of jobs anymore. It's a sad choice of jobs. Hopefully you all will think these things out; and not do the wrong thing. It has become a SAD day in education. Society; please pray for educators.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
One day he says pensions they are bad and are causing financial problems but in in the past he tried to steal a police pension for himself.
F.O.P. On Huberman's Pension Claim: Um, No - Chicagoist
http://chicagoist.com/2008/10/17/fop_on_hubermans_pension_claim_um_n.php
CTA boss' controversial plan for his own pension Huberman asked the police pension fund for permission to keep paying into that fund, even though he hasn’t been a police employee since 2004. The board deferred action on the request, which has drawn ridicule in some police circles.
“This is, in no way meant to be disrespectful towards anyone in law enforcement. I have the greatest respect for Chicago Police officers and the work that they do," Huberman said before testifying at a City Council committee on transit issues.
"Part of my responsibility is security at the CTA. I'm not saying I'm a police officer because I'm not. But the law says if you're involved in security work and that's part of your responsibility, you have the right to pay in if you're on leave of absence from the Police Department, which is what I am. I’ve been paying into the fund for the last 13 years.â€
http://www.truthinaccounting.org/news/listing_article.asp?section=451&se...
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I remember the days of 35-40 kids in a classroom. Teachers were used to it and there was NO problem. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
What's wrong? Is it that the new breed can't cut the mustard. Stop the scare tactics. It's actually quite funny when Huberman thinks the way to scare teachers is to put a group children
(many with behavior problems in one class). That how we taught 20 years ago. Veteran teachers can handle any awful situation that we were asked to deal with. Why doesn't Huberman just " Do what he has to do". That's what the the old superintendents did. Everyone had 35 -40 disadvantaged children in a class it wasn't a news story at all.
O.K. new teachers it's your turn to find out how CPS really is. You think they are untrustworthy now, wait until you try to get a pension after working decades and then they fire you just when you start making enough to have an extra pair of shoes.
Huberman you're new at this and probably believe all the CPS Hype yourself. Go ahead and fire all your high paying administrators that did nothing harass teachers and children. Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish!
As for the teachers, since Huberman has already fired thousands of veteran teachers, lied on them, attacked their credibility and closed down so many schools just to fire them, WHO REALLY CARES WHAT YOU DO?
Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions
Are Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions affected?
Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions
Are Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions affected?
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Cut in half- Supplemental resources for Magnet, Magnet Cluster, Montessori, Gifted and IB programs.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Cut in half- Supplemental resources for Magnet, Magnet Cluster, Montessori, Gifted and IB programs.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
I too, started in the days of 37 students in the class. My line of female students would often extend around corners of the school. The expectation was and still is, my student can and will learn. I am most concerned with the teachers who are willing to make concessions and have no real idea of what they are about to concede to. These concessions will not stop at 4%, in fact this is probably not about concessions at all. Its more about divide and conquer. A discussion about concessions can never be expected without all parties being forthright and honest about everything. (Where are your reserves (BOE), how much is in the reserves?) The expectation that one would compromise their pension and give up their contractual raise just because, is unrealistic. When I don't pay my debts, they increase and increase and increase. When I don't pay my debts and do other non essential things with my funding, it is call fiscal mismanagement. Additionally, I believe the proposed cuts and modifications have been in the works for awhile. This is just a great time to implement them and blame it on a budget crisis. When you are on the eve of a financial crisis, do you really open new departments and hire new staff. Wouldn't you reassign the people that you have. I find it hard to believe, the big house had no current talent that could perform the duties of all of these new administrative hires. There is a much bigger issue at hand, when administrators are being ordered to not hire teachers with tenure of any significant time. Every teacher starts out new and perhaps young and the process of aging occurs. Young teachers and older ones, do your homework and find out what this is really about and be not deceived into thinking that mindless concessions will save your job. Our union will need to demand some real answers and some accounting, otherwise, let the games begin. Trust me, having a workforce that is forced to deal with hostile or unproductive conditions will be more costly for the board (long term)than they really are willing to pay. You can be certain that the real budget PowerPoint exist somewhere, probably locked up with the reserves.
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budg
Tired of Daly using your money as a personal piggy bank for his cronies. Daley can use the TIF funding to help the situation.
Read about Daley's Shenanigans at the good reporting on the TIF Tax money Daley doesn't talk about!
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Cont...
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