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.
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Union, board of ed begin budget talks
By: Rebecca Harris / July 23, 2010
New Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis began talks with the
Board of Education on Friday and spoke of “forging a positive
relationship with the Board of Education.” New Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis began talks with the Board of Education on Friday, and spoke of “forging a positive relationship with the Board of Education.”
But there was no absence of her usual fiery rhetoric. “Let’s end this annual ritual of crisis budgeting predicated on secret cuts, secret budget documents, and secret negotiations,” she said, and responded to a question about concessions by saying, “Don’t talk to me about the C-word.” She also noted a discrepancy between CEO Ron Huberman’s pledge not to raise elementary class sizes and this week’s layoffs of 600 teachers and staff at Track E, year-round elementary schools.
CPS faces a projected $370 million deficit.
The union requested budget documents July 2 but did not receive anything until Thursday evening, when CPS gave them an encrypted, unreadable flash drive, spokeswoman Liz Brown says. Once the union gets a copy of the proposed budget, the negotiators will examine expenses and revenues – particularly revenues from tax-increment financing districts, which Lewis said “rob our children” of education funding – for solutions to the budget crisis.
About 40 others joined Lewis and are slated to observe the budget talks. Brown said they include delegates, elected union officers, and members affiliated with other union caucuses.
Earlier in the week, the union had called for CPS officials to hold off on new hires until after they had a chance to engage in talks and review the budget. The union was especially concerned that principals would choose to hire young, inexperienced teachers, who would have less impact on their budgets, while passing over hundreds of recently laid off veteran teachers.
Due to decreases in state funding and local property tax income, and increases in expenses, CPS is facing a $370 million deficit. CEO Ron Huberman has said that the average number of students in high school classes will go up a bit and he will make other program cuts to balance the budget. CPS has not released a preliminary budget specifying cuts, but they will need to in short order. Hearings must take place before the August 28 Board of Education meeting.
Human Capital Officer Alicia Winckler said that most schools are operating under a hiring moratorium and are not laying off teachers. But 180 elementary schools and 8 high schools use a Track E schedule, which means they open on August 9. This week, those principals were given preliminary budgets and the go-ahead to hire and fire as needed.
Winckler did not know how many teachers were being hired. While she said she would not force principals to hire displaced teachers, her office is trying to help those laid-off teachers find new positions. Next week, for example, her department is holding a job fair for displaced teachers only.
"We trust that principals will do what is right and will make decisions in the interest of children not dollars,” she said.
On Saturday, the union, in conjunction with partner community groups, plans to kick off a citywide, grassroots campaign to improve education.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Karen Lewis, DO NOT open up the contract (Agreement). If CPS doesn't cut teachers and esp's now, CPS will cut them later, no matter what you do! CPS can not be trusted!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I agree with not opening the contract until all information is available and examined. Do not trust this administration. After all, they insisted on a five year contract and now they are backing out when it doesn't go their way.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Ron Huberman's administration did not negotiate the contract - Arne Duncan did.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Public institution should mean public fiscal books. Open the books. Why you Chicagoans put with Daley' s *rap is beyond me!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
On Friday, July 23, CPS requested contract concessions, to be determined by the CTU, totaling $100 million. CPS did not say from where in the contract those concessions should come – that part was left up to the Union. Just as an example, if the Union decided to give up its 4% raise, totaling $80 million for this fiscal year, they would still have to find an additional $20 million in concessions. The key is that none of those concessions would in any way whatsoever result in guaranteed jobs, reasonable class sizes, or maintaining the current level of services to students. A few highlights from today's meeting:
( 1 ) CPS insisted that contract concessions and the budget deficit are mutually exclusive. (Don't laugh, I'm not making this up.) The Board is only willing to talk about contract concessions. They are not willing to discuss the budget deficit. According to CPS these two issues are totally and completely unrelated. I know that sounds strange based on CPS media announcements over the past year, but it is the foundation on which the Board’s proposal rests.
( 2 ) Even if the budget gap is filled, even if the state provides more than enough money, even if the CTU finds hundreds of millions of dollars in savings in the CPS budget, even if a gazillion dollars fall from the sky into the Board’s bank account, the only way to save Union jobs is through contract concessions. CPS was clear: Union jobs cannot and will not be saved through resolution of the budgetary crisis.
( 3 ) Even if the CTU gives in on all requested concessions the Board would not commit to protecting the staffing levels that result from those givebacks. Even after receiving full concessions CPS insisted that they reserve the right to cut school based positions for budgetary reasons or any other reason. (And they obviously will continue to cut staff for budgetary reasons.) So, if the Union “saves†jobs through $100 million in concessions CPS will still be free to lay off as many employees as it desires for any reason it desires.
No matter what solutions the Union offers, no matter what savings are gained by rooting out contract cronyism and wasteful spending -- no matter what -- the Board said it will still raise class sizes and lay off teachers and staff. Is this an economic crisis, or a moral crisis? Is the real problem that the Union's budget analyses are getting too close to the truth?
It is clear that contract concessions will not earn the CTU and its members ANYTHING but more layoffs and more concessions. That's not exactly a bargain for the Union, its employees, or the students, parents and families of the Chicago Public Schools.2
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Daley wanted the 5 year contract not the teachers. The union gave him what he wanted. Let him figure out this mess. There won't be enough teachers when school starts. Should the children teach themselves?
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
There will be enough teachers - a few more wouldn't hurt - the class size of 33 gives most people about 40 percent of their lost teachers back - so if you were originally slated to lose 10 teachers, you probably got 3-5 back depending on your population circumstances (SPED, etc.). There are two levels to the lay-offs: one, which is enrollment, where quite a few teachers were lost, and now, two, which is related to the class size necessitated, in part, by the budget and in part, to the overall costs of each position - hospitilization, insurance, etc. Part of the reason CPS is separating these issues, and many people do not realize this, is that positions have become more expensive because of overall general economy issues - i.e. inflation. Any teacher who worked with SIPAAA this year realized this because of the cost of individual schools purchasing positions. The Board can't promise jobs because it is possible that they will continually be in this situation year after year until the economy recovers.
I think the Union is barking up the wrong tree, and this is me, as a Union member. We are facing three critical issues: 1. Decreased student population (which justifies the reduction of teachers) because we are at a time when there are, in fact, fewer children BUT at the same time more school choices (i.e. charters)) 2. A drying up source of support - we are dependent on property taxes as the housing market is failing and 3. Private companies gouging public entities because they see it as a guaranteed source of income - we are supposed to be receiving reduced costs because we buy in bulk and are not for profit, but this in fact is not happening
I think that Union is failing to grasp the big picture. The bogeyman stories and the jumping up and down about the budget has gotten us absolutely nowhere. Should we be able to see the budget? Absolutely. Will it make a difference? Probably not - the Union is not a budget watchdog - there are organizations for that. It is the school Board that ultimately makes the decision. The only thing that would make them change it would be bad PR, which most likely will not happen because the public is probably wondering what is wrong with the Union that we're protecting unsatisfactory teachers, receiving large paychecks, and refusing to make contract concessions in hard economic times - because that has been the "big picture" media story for the past 6 months.
But, no one will probably read this and instead I'll probably get a string of nasty comments about being a traitor and dumb, etc. rather than anyone giving this actual thought.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Actually...
I think your comments are important. And I'd just like to offer a few minimal responses to your thoughtful contribution.
The big picture media story is, I think, changing and will continue to change. (Check out the most recent Sun Times op ed about education.) Part of that is CTU media strategy and outreach and part of that is a result of partnerships that are being forged with parents, community groups, student groups, churches, and even aldercreatures.
Decreased student population is an obvious enough reason to reduce staff, but I don't think anyone is arguing with that (other than the abuse of enrollment predictions that devastate neighborhood schools each fall). Privatization, as you mentioned is key. I don't think $300 million in annual costs to close down neighborhood schools in favor of privatized, selective charters that perform no better is sustainable - either practically or from a PR perspective.
Your point #3 is exactly right - private companies do gouge CPS, but the Board can stop that if it so chooses and the CTU can have a role in that process. The Union has offered to work with CPS to resolve the budget deficit to save teacher jobs and class sizes, but the Board doesn't want any part of it. I think we can all agree that classroom and school based personnel are the most essential component to student learning. Cutting teachers just doesn't make sense for the students when there are still hundreds of millions of dollars in non-essential expenditures in the CPS budget. And that's even before the subject of TIF money and property taxes (both difficult political decisions) are broached.
When it comes to concessions CTU members have already lost well over $1 billion in pension contributions. That's one hell of a sacrifice, and it is one that will only get worse. I'm not comfortable conceding anything to the Board at this point. We'll have to see what the Board is willing to give up in exchange. As of now, it's nothing. And I'm actually willing to make concessions, but, since the Union holds the largest contract with the Board (and therefore is able to stand up for itself more strongly than the others) I'd like to see every other non-Union contract and expenditure cut by 4%, too. I think we all know that's not going to happen, but it's not like that's an unreasonable request.
I think the Union has and will continue to offer CPS solutions to the budget crisis. Maybe I'm obtuse but I don't see why the Board is so resistant to so many of the solutions that are available. Since I liked your response I'm now curious: what kind of solution to the budget crisis would you like to see and what role do you believe the Union and its members should play in that solution?
On a side note I think it's important that all Union members know that the bargaining team includes members of every CTU caucus plus unaffiliated independents and represents a wide diversity of bargaining unit employees.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I know some teachers make 100k?? Yeah yeah! but what is the reality of an emloyee with 8 years of service and a masters degreee. 1800 every two weeks after taxes. Forced to live in a city where people who make double that struggle.
With all these proposed cuts! They better take away the residency rule. IT is hard enought to live in the city. All the HIGH paid employees with tenure have the luxury of living wherever they want. While the rest of us have to juggle spening A LOT of money or living in a dangerous neigborhood! An average house in this city is about 250k, in a safe neighborhood. A mortgage for this type of house is around 1800 plus a month. Pluse 300 in student loans? Those two alone represent 65% of any employees after tax income (8years of service). How are they supposed to live???????? If they cut our salaries, HUBERMAN better call the Peace Corp or only employee second income spouses. Becuase no one can afford to live in this city! Who wants a career with a masters degree that requires you to live in a basement apartment or with 3 roommates until you are 50?
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I have nothing against tenured teachers were granfathered out of the residency rule. They dont exaclty live high on the hog either!!! I just feel bad for the low yea employees more!! They really have it tough!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Let's be honest here. Huberman was brought in to seal the Ren 2010 deal. Sad fact that he doesn't know how to run a school district. He meets no standard measures to run a school district. So why is he in the seat of power, Daley. Huberman has YET to open the fiscal books. As a public institution, there is no reason to hide all the information. We a need a new way of doing business instead of the Daley Bumrush Way.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I would venture to say that a home in a safe neighborhood (single family) would be closer to 500K a year. You might find a condo for 300K in a safe area that is in foreclosure.
I live in an iffy area, in a condo we paid 185K for years ago. A tiny 2 bedroom condo. We are grateful to have it as we know many people in the world do not, but we are certainly frugal to the nth degree to be able to afford the mortgage. We don't own a car. We don't go on vacation pretty much ever. And that is okay. But one teacher salary can't come close to affording a sfh in an area where there isn't a lot of shooting.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I was just being very very conservative with my price! You are right!!!! Its almost impossssible to find a condo for less than 300k! However, we are "over paid"....
I am just mad they wanna cut our salary but make us live here??? Even if you have a sick parent there is NO exceptions!!!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
You all have my sympathy, NOT! As a mother, someone who grew up respecting teachers, and believing unions were about righting wrongs, et al... as a once liberal dem (now an independent), I want you all to know, that I have come to realize that not a one of you have the best interests of our children at heart. You preach one rule for all of us, and another for yourselves. You and your unions have chipped away at what was once quality public education, regressing it to a point that it is a farce. Literacy reforms, increased illiteracy. Your reforms in other courses also dumbed down our children. Your embrace of k-12 ESL, in perpetuity has increased the dropout rates, and diverted resources away from real educational programs. Every parent I know across the country, and most of them are democrats, or were, are fed up with how you treat us and our children with contempt. You've no right to complain, you're disgraces to education, and deserve all you will get. You want your multi-culti nightmare world, then you should be forced to live within it's narrow confines, and your children forced to be dumbed down in the crappy education systems that you've shaped.
It's long past time that your wages be gutted, pay for your own damned health care, or even better, get dumped into the not so tender mercies of Obamacare. You need to be restricted to the swamp you didn't mind leaving us all mired in. You didn't mind propping up corrupt democrat politicians, now get prepared for them to treat you, as you didn't mind them treating us.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Teachers dont create programs....we just do what they tell us? Are we not supposed to make a decent living? You think you are going to find 45000 teachers with a college education who will make 35k a year??? Why are you so angry? We just want to have a lving too?
BTW ( and I speak for myself) I have no respect for the democrats nor republicans.....and the union is really not all that helpful either.
Can I ask why you think teachers have any real power in this world?????? We are victims too!!
Relax!!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
An ESL Childs's mom is a mom too! Their concerns dont matter?
If they are legal citizens they have no right to special services??? Only English speaking americans???
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
One of these things is not like the other ones...
What can you buy for $1 in Chicago?
A can of soda.
One hour of parking at the beach.
Less than half of a single ride on the CTA.
One year in rent for an entire CPS school building for your privately operated school management organization.
Hmm.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
To Jenny the nut. Educational policy is set by the incompetent Huberman. The union does not set educational policy. Get your facts straight.
A lot our spanish speaking students are citizens. Most are born here. So get a clue buttercup. Sounds like you are a racist. In that case, if you want to keep the birth rate down of latinos, I suggest you recommend the time tested way of keeping down births by foreigners i is by providing a high quality education.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Why do people keep calling each other trolls? It seems to be applied whenever someone has a differing opinion - can someone clarify this for me?
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
What is a troll? Actually I think you pretty much understand the meaning according to how the word is used on this site.
Webopedia offers the following definition:
(v.) (1) To deliberately post derogatory or inflammatory comments to a community forum, chat room, newsgroup and/or a blog in order to bait other users into responding.
(2) To surf the Internet.
(3) To hang around a chat room reading the posts instead of contributing to the chat.
(n.) One who performs any of the above actions.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
"Actually..." (why can't you people use real names?) writes "There will be enough teachers..."
Well, not necessarily so. The Board has made a practice this decade of forecasting how many students a school will have next year. Some schools do have declining enrollments, but not all.
My far-northwest high school has increased enrollment every year but one this past decade. But somehow, every year the Board forecasts a decline for us and tells us to trim a few teachers. They are wrong every year.
When the new school year begins, the Board makes adjustments during the first 20 days--taking away positions from some schools and adding them at others. It is very difficult to find a highly qualified special education teacher in October to fill a position.
And so, some years we have kids sitting around in algebra or Spanish or chemistry classes with substitute teachers who aren't qualified to teach algebra or Spanish or chemistry for up to a month--all because the Board does such a poor job at "forecasting" enrollment.
The fact that they do this every year makes me think it is intentional.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I dont undersartand A few teachers and the public are talking about education and people always always have to bring the debate to "obamacare" or that "we" made this mess, as if every American isnt to blame for our countries mess (teachers too). I speak for myself.... but I find this education mess a hybrid of the debacles of the past and present government.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Danny said: The fact that they do this every year makes me think it is intentional.
I agree. This is also not a problem for charter schools and magnet schools which receive the benefit of controlled enrollment. It is a problem for neighborhood schools.
At my neighborhood school our enrollment has gone up or stayed the same every year for 15 years. And, like at your school, CPS predicts a drop in enrollment every year.
It is most definitely intentional.
But the Board doesn't really make adjustments during the first 20 days. (That would help a little - not much, but a little.) CPS waits until the 20th day to even get started on those adjustments. It's a totally disgusting policy.
Danny Who?
Danny said, "(why can't you people use real names?)". I hope you aren't serious...I mean...there could be half a million "Danny's" in Chicagoland. Who are YOU? (Your self-description of being a teacher on the Northwest side isn't exactly forthcoming.)
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Not everyone who disagrees is a troll. In fact, disagreement is not a bad or hurtful thing as it provides an opportunity to learn and grow as facts are exchanged and clarified. Would you call a student who disagreed with you a troll? No. You'd treat that student with respect and discuss the matter (I hope!!).
Unions were once designed to protect the teachers who were working in bad situations or at risk of losing their jobs by speaking up. Now the only things you hear teachers unions fighting for are salaries, benefits, and to protect seniority. They are not fighting for things that would benefit the students directly. However, I do understand that unions are allowed to fight for things like working conditions (building safety, days worked, hours, etc.) and issues related to salary/benefits, not curriculum development or extra curricular activities. Unions can only fight for what they are allowed to fight for.
However, I am with Jenny. Right now, teachers unions aren't benefiting the students. Interactions between administration and union leaders are mind games, not transparent, open conversations. There is no place for honesty and reasonable requests because both sides expect the other side to make a counter offer. If teachers want an 85/15 benefit package, they won't ask for it. They'll ask for a 90/10 and work down. The administration expects to be high balled and will automatically go into a counter offer. No one can be honest and say what they want, it is just a big game that takes away from the students.
Jenny, I value your opinion and I understand your frustrations. However, I'd like to explain to you that often times "reform" is requested by teachers who realize the current policies or methodology that is being imposed on them isn't working, and so a bunch of non-teachers who have a lot of theories with no experience sit down and create a "reform policy" that can replace the current failing policy. Teachers frequently do not get a say in what is taught -- it is a trickle down system where teachers frequently do not get a say in the situation. Unions are not allowed to argue the curriculum or standards set forth by the school, district, or state. In my personal opinion and experience, administration throws ridiculous requirements at the teachers when they are frustrated or feel like the teachers need to "prove" they are teaching. Often times, funding is tied to "evidence" and nonsense crap gets pushed through because schools don't want to turn down free money.
Programs for English Learners are frequently ineffective when they are run by people (not teachers) who do not understand language acquisition. Anyone who teaches pre-school or kindergarten (even 1st or 2nd grade) can tell you that a non-English speaking student can acquire a new language with incredible ease when immersed in an English-only speaking classroom. However, one of the problems that is happening is that English-only speaking CHILDREN are on the decrease. If half of the class is from Spanish (or Polish, or Chinese, or Russian) speaking backgrounds, then full language immersion is difficult at best. So the current theory is, teach the students in their current language and hope that one day, they will be able to apply their knowledge in English. Unfortunately, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools frequently DO NOT communicate and therefore students are passed along assuming that someone else will handle the whole "can't speak or read English" thing. The children are taught in the moment, not as part of a process geared towards English acquisition. This is NOT something that teachers designed; it falls on the shoulders of the administration of school districts.
I do agree that teachers should not be immune to the same issues that plague other career paths. It seems unfair that we can demand veteran teachers are given a position when veteran accountants, computer programmers, nurses, engineers, etc. are thrown to the wayside when budget cuts hit.
Unfortunately, if you were to remove unions all together, the penny pinchers would have a field day with salary cuts, benefit cuts, PTO days, etc. This is a flaw in the system that ALL companies deal with: quality costs money. When you try to cut corners, you lose some of that quality. When you get rid of 20 year teachers to save money, you run the risk of losing valuable experience, insight, and stability within a department or school. While I fully understand that 1 20 year teacher can easily be the equivalent of 2 new teachers in terms of money, there NEEDS to be a balance between keeping good, experience teachers for more money and still being able to have a full staff. This applies for all job areas. There is value in good experience, but it is not always acknowledged by the people who are in charge.
I would prefer unions of any sort did not exist, although I acknowledge and appreciate their contributions over history and in present day. I think that financially, it is cheaper and more efficient to not have unions. However, there would need to be a major change in education and in school structures for that to work. You can see that there is change under way by the push for charter and turn around schools and school vouchers. Teachers unions are becoming a way of the past, but it'll take another 30 years to see them phase out completely.
Jenny, if you feel frustrated with your options, please read about the virtues (and faults) of charter and turn around schools and the varied voucher systems. If you find any of these options suitable, contact your elected representatives and voice your support. If you do not find them suitable, support your private school(s) of choice. You can talk to the school officials to determine the best way to support the school (it's not necessarily financial, sometimes just volunteering at an event can go along way).
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
My Union is fighting for smaller class sizes. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for full staffing at neighborhood schools on day 1 instead of 5 weeks into the semester. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for equitable funding and wraparound supports for neighborhood schools. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for publicly funded public schools that serve every child, not only those born to motivated or connected parents. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting the contract cronyism and wasteful spending of the Board of Ed to redirect those resources to where it is needed most - the classrooms full of children. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for professional autonomy and relevant curricula so students don't have to suffer through canned, scripted lessons dictated by those furthest away from the children. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for TIF money - about $250 million annually - to be directed back to schools instead of private enterprise. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for a neighborhood school in every neighborhood so our children don't have to travel halfway across the city to get an education. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for holistic and multiple assessments of student learning so their accomplishments may be judged in a meaningful way rather than through a single, culturally and economically biased high stakes exam. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for working conditions that result in high teacher retention rates and a stable learning environment and expert, experienced, veteran teachers in every classroom. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for chairs and desks and a computer in every room so that all workers and students can have access to these resources. (The Board often does not provide enough of these things.) That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for both college prep and vocational prep programs so that all students may learn and grow in a program that fits their needs. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for the involvement of parents and communities in their children's lives and in running the schools in their neighborhoods. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for partnerships with community organizations to develop community schools into anchors of Chicago neighborhoods so that these buildings serve the whole neighborhood in a variety of ways. That benefits students.
My Union is fighting for greater extracurricular activities and greater out-of-class opportunities led by experts so our schools enrich the whole child not just the bubble-filling-exam-taker.
My Union is fighting for more arts activities and arts integration at all levels so students learn more about the world in which they live and more than just what those furthest from them decide children need to know to pass a high stakes exam. That benefits students.
I could go on and on and on...My point is that my Union - the Chicago Teachers Union - is waging a fight on behalf of not just teachers but students, parents, families, and communities as well. Sure, my Union also fights for salaries and benefits, as well it should. But its reach extends far beyond those basic, bread and butter issues. The plight of teachers is directly connected to the lives of our students. Unfortunately, the Board of Education, the mayor, and the state legislature disagree.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
Well put!
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
The Board's lawyer, James Franczek, is a member of the Executive Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago. These are the NON EDUCATORS who helped shape the Ren 2010 Walmatization of Chicago Public Schools. Seems like conflict of interest to me. I am not a lawyer but Franczek has every reason to see that Ren 2010 is completed and neighborhoods schools get shut down. These clowns are about shutting down the schools and making money off the privatization. We DALEY is the classic business case of how NOT to privatize public places. I don't know if I have a job in September but I am standing with the union. They are constructive in thought. Remember the Board has folks who are so far removed from the schools they are supposed to serve. They have no one who understands what is needed to support our students and teachers in the classroom. Chicago needs to take a stand against Daley's privatization plans.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
It is very disturbing to hear teachers go after one another and then have parents feeling that teachers are the problem. In Chicago, after all of this time , it is clear where the source of the problem lies. After over 20 years, Daley needs to be called to task. Demonizing the union, which began in the 80's, is right out of the republican/conservative playbook, and it is clear that Daley falls right into this mold. Anti-union, pro-privatization,"let's follow the business model". Anyone notice that's what has caused our current economic situation? Furthermore, one needs to realize that schools follow the state of the society they are in, not the other ways around. Trust me, the unions in Winnetka are not more effective than the CTU. Our problem schools tend to be in neighborhoods suffering from total neglect. Are you worried about redistribution of wealth? You should be, because it has already taken place. With the weakening of unions ,so have we seen the weakening of the middle class. Daley is part of the privileged elite and wants to preserve his power and status. Privatizing schools enriches him and his cronies , at the expense of the unions , the public schools, and most importantly, the disadvantaged children who will not attend the magnet or charter schools that possess added resources. All teachers and parents must see that Daley loves the fact that there is dissension among us. He'd be scared to death to see a united front of all teachers and parents in Chicago, demanding accountability, transparencey, and true equality in educational opportunities. As Ronnie recommends in Performance Management, get to the "root cause" of the problem.
Union, board of ed begin budget talks
I agree in their "philosophical" ideals and that they are trying to change some grand problems. However, every time a teacher gets let go at my school they DO NOTHING!! No returned phone calls no sympathy! This needs to change.We members pay!!!
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