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CBS2 investigation suggests Steinmetz and BEST high schools may be counting ghost students to inflate budgets.
For 10 months, an inspector general investigation has been underway into alleged fraud at B.E.S.T., yet there has been no action. [Dropout Terrence] Figures says nobody has contacted him, even though he's living proof of ghosting in the school system.
The problem may not be limited to B.E.S.T. Paula Adams, a former Local School Council member at Steinmetz Academic Centre High School, and Sammy Tenuta, a former security guard at the same school, both claim Steinmetz also had numerous ghost students.
* Stock preschool supporters gather 2,200 signatures to save one of the only two early education programs in Chicago for disabled students. (Pioneer)
In state news
* Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield with education spending a top concern, says governor’s chief of staff. (WBEZ)
Some Springfield observers tell Catalyst that lawmakers are likely to pass a six month budget to delay any real action until after the election cycle. That would mean Chicago is forced to slash some 6,200 3,200 teachers.
* District 300 still needs to cut $5.6 million to balance its budget. (Daily Herald)
* ACT Now campaigned yesterday for universal access to after school programs—goals set out in legislation that has passed both the Illinois House and Senate and is pending final approval. (Press release)
* Evanston schools chief warns students not to post malicious comments on Facebook that could garner criminal prosecution. (Pioneer)
In national news
* Early childhood advocates are worried that President Obama’s commitment has slipped. (Ed Week)
President Obama’s historic remaking of the country’s health-care system and the related measure overhauling student loans last month ultimately failed to include money for his proposed Early Learning Challenge Fund, which would have provided competitive grants to help states both create and improve the quality of services for at-risk children from birth to age 5.
“It was my understanding that early education was to be a priority, and the loss of investments that could have been made with the [Early Learning Challenge Fund] hurt children and families the most,’’ said Holly Robinson, the commissioner of Bright from the Start with the Georgia Department of Early Care.
* Maryland lawmakers have approved teacher evaluation changes that require educators to show significant growth in student achievement. State officials will also release a draft of their Race to the Top application today. (Baltimore Sun)
* New York lawmakers introduce bill to end last hired, first fired policy for teacher layoffs. (NYT)
* Colorado lawmakers have introduced legislation that would strip tenure from teachers. (Durango Herald)
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MailDr. John Kugler
City Wide Delegate
Chicago Teachers Union
kuglerjohn@comcast.net
The "Doomsday," "worst-scenario" budget that lying Ron Huberman used to scare teachers last month used the figure 3,200. And that was before the state caved in and let CPS off the hook for $400 Billion ($1.3 billion over three years).
That cuts the $700-900 billion phony deficit in half.
I have corrected the figure above. Thank you very much for spotting it.
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