Even as CPS opens more new schools, children with special needs have a tougher time finding options. Placements in private therapeutic schools are scarce, and some charters are reluctant to enroll them.
Recent Notebook Entries
Right Now On Notebook
By:
By:
By:
By:
Other Blogs
catalyst-chicago.org feeds
Current Issue
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
By: Sarah Karp / April 20, 2010
For the past 15 months, Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins
has stood next to her new boss Ron Huberman, often quietly watching his
trademark power points outlining plans to restructure or issue mass
layoffs.
At times, she’s added what she could, usually calmly assuring people,
whether it be principals or reporters, that things won’t change too
much, that the world is not coming to an end.
For the past 15 months, Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins has stood next to her new boss Ron Huberman, often quietly watching his trademark power points outlining plans to restructure or issue mass layoffs.
At times, she’s added what she could, usually calmly assuring people, whether it be principals or reporters, that things won’t change too much, that the world is not coming to an end.
But when she announced on Tuesday that she plans to leave Chicago Public Schools, with a population of 400,000-plus students, for Indiana’s tiny Michigan City School District with a mere 7,000 students, it was no surprise. The 57-year-old Eason-Watkins has been with CPS for 35 years, serving the last nine as chief education officer.
Though it is unclear whether Eason-Watkins wanted to be named CEO when Arne Duncan became U.S. Secretary of Education, many had thought she would be in line for the job. Then, when Mayor Richard M. Daley announced that he was giving the job to Huberman, a bureaucrat with a business background, there was speculation that Eason-Watkins wasn’t going to stay around for long.
And Eason-Watkins acknowledged Tuesday that she started laying the ground work for making the move last summer when she was at her second home in Michigan City and heard the superintendent there was leaving.
Yet those left at CPS shuddered at the news. Among top level CPS officials, only Chief Administrative Officer Robert Runcie is a hold-over from Duncan.
Also, Eason-Watkins’ departure comes in the midst of a difficult time for CPS. Over the past year, Huberman has eliminated more than 800 jobs. He has promised another 200 layoffs by the end of the fiscal year and he might need to make additional cuts to fill a projected $600 million deficit.
At Emmett Till Elementary School in Woodlawn, where Eason-Watkins made a name for herself as a no-nonsense but highly collaborative educational leader, the mood was one of shock and fear.
“I am really hurt,” said current Principal Mary L. Rodgers, who was assistant principal under Watkins.
Not only was working with Eason-Watkins a “treat,” but Rodgers added that, with so many layoffs in central office and so many new staff, she depended on Eason-Watkins to hold the line.
“I looked to her to keep stability in the system, to keep the education level stable. It is hard to fathom,” Rodgers said.
Education experts are keeping an eye on how Eason-Watkins’ departure will play into Huberman’s overall strategy. Penny Bender Sebring, a director of the Consortium on Chicago School Research, said Watkins was a “champion for great instruction” and that her loss will be great.
Sebring declined to speculate about who will be the next chief education officer, but that person’s role will be different from that of Eason-Watkins. Huberman is moving much of the instructional guidance to the area offices, giving each chief a portfolio of schools to be responsible for.
Sebring said that structure can work, but research has shown that different schools need different levels of support, and it is unclear if Huberman’s model will accomplish that.
Sebring mused that Michigan City is lucky to get Eason-Watkins. The town is a vacation spot for many Chicagoans, but Michigan City’s perform below the state’s average.
At a press conference on a new financial literacy program being piloted at 12 CPS high schools, Eason-Watkins said she was excited about her new job.
She refused to direct any criticism at Huberman and didn’t blame him for her leaving. Integrating business principles into teaching and learning is an opportunity, she said. And she added that she keeps in touch with a lot of the staff that have been pushed out or laid off, so watching them leave has not been that difficult.
Asked whether she would be leaving if Duncan was still around, she responded, “That’s hard to say.”
Huberman said he has yet to decide on a search process for the next chief education officer.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Thank God she's leaving. Will she be able to take all her sorority sisters (AKA's) with her? Will her AKA AIO's/CAO's (most of whom pledged the silly sorority in there 40's and 50's) leave Chicago? Look out Michigan here she comes with all of her AKA nonsense that helped to ruin our system here in Chicago.
I wonder if she will fight for a decent curriculum for the the poor disadvantaged and disenfranchised students or Michigan or just sit around watching the ship go down.
Goodbye Miss Messy
wrong
She is not taking a position in Michigan. The position is in Indiana in the city call "Michigan City". Get the news right please!
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
And she added that she keeps in touch with a lot of the staff that have been pushed out or laid off, so watching them leave has not been that difficult.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
We in Michigan City hope she will instill some DISCIPLINE in the school system unlike what the School Board thinks and the previous Superintendent. It will be interesting to see just how she will improve this school system...or will she?
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
BEW takes VERY good care of her friends and crucifies her enemies.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
@ zeta, you are obviously a hater, which is so sad because without my organization there would be no you. Sorry that your sisters are not as influential as mine. We are the silly organization???? Please. Maybe if your were Delta I would feel the need to began a discourse with u regarding the influence of AKA's, but then I am reminded that there is no need b/c Zeta's are not even on that level. So, I won't waste my time.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Sorry AKA,
I have always been in politically conscious movements. Plantations minded organizations that adhere to demeaning beautiful African American women, (many of whom are teachers), I do not support. I do not support the gang style manipulation that the AKA's use.
The comment below reflects a distorted viewpoint
zeta, you are obviously a hater, which is so sad because without my organization there would be no you.
Typical AKA nonsense. (Please capitalize my name)!
Remember now, brown paper bags and all, you're not the center of anyone's universe. Your tactics are no longer appreciated in our communities .Mindless sorority nonsense when our children are dying in the streets is ridiculous. It is time out for the self hatred imposed upon our people by your organization.
Hey, just go make a $100,000 wax statue of yourself and go home to your pink and green home!
SILLY NONSENSE!!!!!! - I'm sure there will be plenty in Michigan City for you to buy now!
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Part of the reason I was forced to retire is because my AKA Principal destroyed a once wonderful school community in the South Deering neighborhood. During my last two years in that school, more that 30 teachers left. That woman is still in the system because of all of her connections. AKA has been a cancer in CPS for years. It's about time that dirty little secret is seeing the light of day.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Did she look to get out after hearing about possible severe cuts of teachers in the classroom?
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Are the severe classroom teacher cuts in the mail?
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
I'm sorry...what is an AKA?
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Also Known As
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
I've taken some time off from this op ed blogging, only to re-enter the chatroom. Just reading the battles above makes me wonder, "Why is there so much in-fighting among us educators?"
At any rate, for me, I give BEW mad love and respect for her work in CPS! There are only a handful of people in CPS that could have accomplish what she did. (I wish I could say I was one of them.)
BEW is the embodiment of CPS: Credibility, Probity, and Sagacity...and beautiful. I love this woman for what she represents. BEM: I will miss you!!! Good luck in your next adventure.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Historically AKA's are an African American sorority. I think they are Alpha Kappa Alpha. ( correct me if I'm wrong) .
Read the statement by the AKA who wrote on the blog. This is precisely the mentality that they have. To think that an organization so demented could effect anyone's life in a positive manner is ludicrous.
I attribute my ability to survive to the Civil Rights movement, and my parents. People like Dr. King, Malcolm X , Medgar Evers made the difference. The AKA's were not a factor at all.
Chief AKA Barbara Eason Watkins kept this corrupt system alive for years. She promoted and allowed the attack of African American female teachers who were not in her clique or sorority. She empowered them to destroy our school communities, putting them in key positions at CPS. This group or gang created nothing but division and animosity on the South side of Chicago. Many schools were destroyed by them.
People in Indiana BEWARE if she tries to bring her AKA crew with her, your system will definitely be destroyed.
Maybe now we can get to the business of repairing our school communities on the South Side of Chicago.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
@Freedom Fighter
thanks for the info
i had never heard of this group until these comments so i appreciate it
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Let's get this right. Ren 2010 is the cut, cut, cut problem. That is the playbook that a third rate mind like Duncan and now Huberman are following. It was built with the small minds known unpopularly as the Chicago Civic Committee! Let's keep focus on where the true problem lies. Huberman was not selected for his great mind. He was selected to cut, cut and cut and build the walmartization of schooling, aka charter schools. The top person makes policy, not BEW. The Performance Management Team aka the city hall patronage team, are running a con game. Glad a writer for Catalyst quoted a business professor from the University of Chicago School of Business as saying Huberman's antics are questionable. You don't hire a third rate manager to run the third largest school in the nation unless his ONLY role is to cut, cut, cut. (ok he hires expensive data jockeys and city hall refugees without being transparent) Then it makes sense that Huberman is not about improving neighborhood schools but beating them down with his worthless data business.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
how does an article about her leaving turn into a sorority bashing session??..and if you gone quote history or make reference to the contributions or lack their of as it relates to african-american greek lettered organizations then make sure you know something about it.. get it right... Lets stay focused on the matter at hand..there are poor quality educators of all race, gender and group affiliation all through CPS.. if folks spent half the time they did blogging and gossiping on they lesson plans maybe i wouldnt be teaching my 7th graders how to read..yes..my 7th graders..get your priorities straight..
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
If she was so great, Arne would have taken her with him.
But she was just his memo signer and a lap dog for UofC.
And when it got tough they(Arne & UofC) left her in the dust.
Michigan city is going to get what we got from her. Nothing.
But good luck to her anyway and good she got out when she could.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
The truth of the matter is that Barbara Eason Watkins used her influence and associations with her "soros" to ruin our schools on the South Side. How can teachers concentrate on teaching when they are constantly being harassed and intimidated by this selective "teacher gang". Many who have been unfairly placed in positions simple because they were in the AKA's.
Look at the list of former AIO"S , Almost everyone of the African Americans are AKA"s. At many schools the AKA's were put in principal positions simply while more qualified candidates were overlooked. The same hold true for teachers. When my school closed, I watched the AKA principals run in and hire all the AKA teachers, many of whom were horrible and cared about nothing but their sorority. That's why your 7th graders can't read.
When the main qualification for obtaining a job as an African American female is ,are you an AKA, I'm surprised anyone can read.
Also, Notice no one has said anything about the other sororities because they don't conduct themselves in the manner that the AKA's have. It's not a "sorority bashing" , everyone who has worked, gone to school and gotten a proper education deserves
the same opportunities that others have. BEW has denied so many a fair share of the jobs and promotions, handing them out to her "soros" even when they were not qualified for the position. That's why your 7th graders can't read.
No one else was a victim of this AKA nonsense more than other AA females. Everyone else judged on their merit and promoted because
of their qualifications except our AA teachers who are being fired at a rate 10X higher than anyone else at CPS.
I know what I am talking about and can prove it. The gentlemen is right, she treats her "soros" well. Let's not forget AA women who have chosen not to pledge, and the young lady is right, or haven't been chosen because their skin is too dark. HOW SICK!
Time out for the plantation minded politics BEW promoted in schools on the South Side take your AKA mess and move on!
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Daley runs this town. Until Daley keeps his hands off appointing the CEO and School Board members, we will have the same. You cannot run CPS in the same manner as your department of streets and sanitation and expect anything good. Why Chicago accepts its this is beyond me.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
another reason for her to clear out. Good luck, but you stayed too long.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Robinson principal AKA?
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
@Plantation Politics is run by Daley - you are right! I don't know about this AKA stuff with BEW, but the fact of the matter was at least she was an educator! Is Huberman's entire team now non-educators? THAT is the real story here people!
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
She is a friend and constant mentor. I am not an AKA. Barbara will do well in any endeavor she chooses. Give her a chance and see. She has never been at the Captains chair. She has always been second in command. So keep the unkind comments and dwell on your current situation.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Well Zeta, as for me, I do fear the removal of present educators to be replaced with those who will follow her. It is the way it works. Maybe, however, she will not bring the current hiring practices with her. The Teacher leadership program with CPS is the problem. Hiring people with no education training or background, people with BA's in other areas to train them in the Urban school system, give them a teaching cert. and guarantee them a job at the same time you lay off hundreds, even thousands? It basically says, go away anyone who set out to be an educator, who trained, who paid for an education degree. That is what I fear for MCAS. Insiders say, "maybe Pres. O will give MCAS some of his money." HA! No matter how you slice it, it seems a bit strange.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
As a white educator who felt the affects of AKA, I say it is long past time for her to go. Her school was not that great! Talk to some of the parents. Do we really think that her leaving will be the end of the sorority/fraternity rule? I don't think so. It has always surprised me that minoeity educators think so little of minority students.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
I am so disheartened by the ridiculous bickering that is taking place in this discussion regarding what influence and luxuries are afforded to those members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Inc. Let’s put everyone’s work on the table! Zeta, Retired Red Hat, Freedom Fighter, and others… what do YOUR student’s test scores look like? Are they academically on grade level? Have they matriculated to the next grade, high school or college? What types of instructional strategies are you using in your classrooms to advance your student’s higher order thinking and analytical skills? In my opinion, the bigger issue is not about what AKA has what position or how they got it, but about how have WE as educators (i.e. Chief Education Officers, CAOs, Principals, APs, and teachers) have helped prepare our students academically and socially. Let your work speak for itself!
Unfortunately, in our society, there is always going to be a select group of people who seem to have favor. If any of you have been to Central Office lately or seen the new appointment of new administrators, you could very well say the “new gang†are those that are "non-educatorsâ€. And to be honest, this gang is scarier than any Greek-lettered affiliation, because this “new gang†undermines the years of education, hard work, sacrifice that we as educators have done to make us successful in our profession. So let’s take the focus off of who got what because there were an AKA, and start to reclaim our place in OUR profession.
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
Susan you are so right. As an African American working with "at Risk" populations of AA children, I could never understand why we could not
come together and work together to make our students lives better and move them forward, by any means necessary.
When I realize that there are so many divisions in the community one namely, the sorority phenomenon that permeates the system, I couldn't believe that "so called" educators were spending money and time supporting organizations that historically promoted colorism with the exclusion of African Americans based on the color of their skin. Recently, AKA's have finally allowed their darker skinned sisters into their sorority but they usually still have an inferior position within the group.
The exclusion of anyone who has prepared themselves for the struggle of educating our children is a mistake. Read the blogger
"pettypeople make me sick' . She indicates that if sisters are not with the AKA's or Greek organizations they are inferior" This is the attitude that prevails in these organizations.
As for Mayor Daley, you are absolutely right. However, he could not accomplish his goal without the help of key people who don't mind sitting around letting the ship go down.
Where were these AA heads when they started the racist policy of firing AA teachers at the rate 10X higher that anyone else? Did BEW stand up? No! she was running around promoting this attack on our communities. Going along to get along.
"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he he perpetuates it He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it " DR MARTIN LUTHER KING
Chief Education Officer Barbara Eason-Watkins stepping down
The privatization of public schools and the takeover of public assets bynon-educators is a key issue. Mayor Daley has facilitated this takeover. It is destroying our profession and destroying the fabric of American culture. However, in order to accomplish his goal, there was mass confusion and personal attacks on others for years. This was done primarily in communities where children were poor and in need.
I can tell you personally that the ability to raise scores and help children really did not matter in the long run. It was all about connections.Many times our best teachers were booted out or chased out by others while incompetent teachers stayed because of their affiliations with some groups.
Anyone whom thinks a society that says it's O.K. for some to enjoy undeserved perks based upon looks or affiliations with some groups, and not hard work just does not get it. You are cooperating with those who are taking over now. Isn't that the way the new ones operate?
Non educators taking over education jobs and firing all those who understand educational philosophy and are qualified?Isn't it strange that these "new ones" don't care if your good, bad, ugly, fat or anything else, they just want the MONEY. The cow is really out of the barn now! Or should I say, basically the chickens are coming home to roost.
Who gives a damn?
Barbara Eason-Watkins is a nice lady but who gives a damn?
Not African American parents!
Most of us really don’t give a damn about our own children in the CPS!
Marc Sims
viewpointchicago@yahoo.com
773-507-0724
Add your comment