Meeting heats up over school closings

By Lotty Blumenthal

The Chicago Board of Education met on April 23 at 4:00 p.m. at the two-year-old Teacher Training Center on the near south side. It was the first time the Board had ventured out from within the tight security of its downtown headquarters since a year earlier, when more than 1,000 protesters greeted Board members at the Herzl school after CEO Arne Duncan announced the closing of three elementary schools for “poor performance.”

There weren’t as many fireworks April 23, 2003, as there had been in April 2002.

After a welcome by the principal and students from the host school, two students from North Side Prep were honored for getting honors from the State. Before the meeting had started, the technical crew had a screen at the front of the room playing CDs of David Sanborn, jazz musician, and Sting. The soothing sounds put everyone in a better than usual mood in the beautiful new building at 22nd and State Street.

A Curie student read a resolution for the “Day of the Children” on April 30th, introduced by a Board member and her sister. Then President Scott asked if any secretaries were in the room; no one answered, so he honored Estela Belltran, the Board’s Secretary, on Secretary’s Day. He called the public participation to order at 4:40 p.m., giving it two hours until 6:40 p.m. Fifty speakers had signed up. As usual, Scot asked for brevity so as many as possible could talk.

The first speaker was from the Barton School. Six people had signed to speak on different topics among a crowd of about 35 people from there with a myriad of problems. The speakers included Shawn Gowder, Eric Williams, Mary Sherrod, Pat Gayden, Dina Williams, Danae David, and Phyllis Trottman. They agreed on one speaker who tried to summarize their problems. Scott said he would not hear all the speakers. Later he realized he had heard only one and allowed one more as last speaker. Sherrod spoke. Later in an interview they told me that there had been over 30 CTU grievances which had gone to various levels with staff winning over false allegations by the principal. There had been safety issues, LSC issues, security issues and intimidation.

Howard White spoke about promises made to the Curtis School for repairs or expansion in detail. Scott said that billions were needed for capital repairs, and he’d try to work with them on this.

Matthew Morgenthau spoke about overcrowding at Steinmetz High School. He said some rooms could not be used because they were in disrepair. He felt that changing at least two feeder schools into the Austin High School district would alleviate the problem. Operations chief Bruce Washington said that mobile classrooms were slated to be sent to Steinmetz (and some feeder schools were to be changed to Taft) and future repairs made.

Cheryl Aaron of the Chicago Associations of LSCs talked of parent training and “No Child Left Behind”. Then she lauded the only trainer in the city in this area, Okema Lewis, who has done so much. Others would speak of her effectiveness. The Board’s interim attorney, Robert Hall, explained federal or state rules on the allocation of funds for this matter.

Jacqueline Johnson of Chicago Vocational High School (CVCA — for “Chicago Vocational Career Academy” — neither looks nor sounds right, especially as a sports cheer, and travelers on the Skyway can still read “Chicago vocational” on the massive building’s east side) said that she had been told that of several hundred seniors, only 36 were graduating. When she asked the reason, she was not given any reason. Arne Duncan said he would have the AIO Region Director Cynthia Barron (whom he called “Truly a star”) investigate and “Try not to perpetuate a myth.”

James Deanes and Wilfredo Ortiz would also look into the matter.

Next Sherry Ealy of Dulles Elementary School spoke of her children being put at risk since she became an LSC member. She was not notified of failing or near failing grades, and inappropriate language was being used. Linda Foulks also spoke though she was to speak later on the list. Deanes said he would investigate.

Laura Tillotson of Waters Elementary School, which has had speakers at the last two Board meetings, spoke again about the overcrowding, loss of students and programs with no promise of relief. Scott they are trying to find the money for added rooms.

Next Judith M. Dever of Healy Elementary School talked of needed prep time for elementary school teachers because of increased paper work. She said the work was hampered by her third grade classroom being flooded three times this year after a “repair” was made on the roof on “Teacher Appreciation Day” (AKA records day). Dever received applause. Barbara Eason-Watkins applauded the fact that Dever has taught 37 years. Scott asked if the first floor classroom was flooded from the roof and pipes below. Dever said the roof. Bruce Washington said temporary work was scheduled with 30 days.

This reporter, C.M. Blumenthal, then spoke after a person who had promised to address the issue failed to show up. I asked that principals be paid in some other manner than the one currently used. Currently, the number of staff (not student population) reporting to a principal determines principal salary. The current method has resulted in some principals who can control their school population artificially crowding the school with students or programs to increase their salaries and, ergo, pensions. The result is that at Prosser Vocational High School — a school built for about 1100, students — they now have classes eight periods a day in the library, on the stage, in halls, balconies or other places outside the classrooms. LSC members have been quiet so that family and friends, hired in the increase, will not lose jobs, and the faculty has been bought off with overtime (even double or triple). Test scores have gone down. Education is poor. Such over-enrollment seems to affect some schools nearby like Austin. Suggestions were an incentive like a Fla. plan, have AIO’s go around and label each school at one capacity that the principal gets paid no matted how he crowds the school. Or they could be paid by the rank of the ward supporting them, with 11 & 14 higher than 33, higher than 47, etc. Or they could be paid by the number of letters from clergy and politicians supporting them.

Scott said the Board was looking into other methods. Arne Duncan said some suggestions might be facetious. But he said that his policy is to go in the other direction of crowding and large schools and principals were paid by numbers in the school. This is not true or no one would be paid higher than the Lane Principal. Some are getting more. The speaker took his statement to mean that the school size would lessen.

Next Frank Thomas talked about the problems of the West Chatham area having access to the Cecil Partee School because of the parking lot. He spoke of the dedication of the community. He gave a history of the events leading to the inaccessibility to the school. Scott told why it is difficult and understands, and will see if the problem can be alleviated because he is aware of the community’s dedication.

Next, Teresa Burton of Kozminski spoke about the strengths of Okema Lewis. Two of her friends who were not signed up spoke too.

Next Bridgette Hill of Wentworth talked of supporting parental involvement and Okema Lewis’ gifts as a parent trainer.

Cecilia Franco of Everett, with five other members, talked of the need for a mobile unit. She talked of being on the list, funds allotted, the job started, then stopped. The mobile unit is scheduled to go in October 6.

Avis LaVelle questioned the wisdom of mobiles going in during the middle of the school year instead of at the start of a semester. Bruce Washington explained the entire process of ordering and installing mobiles. There are also safety questions with holes in fences which will be repaired, he said. Duncan said let’s shoot for the needs to be met in September.

Next about 30 people wanted to talk of Peck School. Ernie Reyes and Maria Huerta spoke about the capital needs of the school. They spoke of the overcrowding from demographics hurting education of students. Scott and Washington talked of the process in getting the mobile units necessary. Their electrical upgrade so they can use their computers and air conditioners as planned and funded. They just had a six room mobile unit put in and will get another.

Avis LaVelle now was presiding. Anna Berlanga, Principal of Sandoval, spoke about being there before. She had first brought the attention of the Board to the lot for sale at 55th and St Louis. Now, there’s talk of changing the site for a new facility. She has attended the last four capital meetings. Now there are rumors of a different type school and no relief for Sandoval. Duncan said strategies were being planned and would be made in the next few weeks.

Next Roy Kemp of AGAPE, a consulting group, wants to speak to the president about his programs to help children.

Next, Alderman Ed Smith of the 28th Ward was allowed to speak. He spoke with “brevity.” He said he hates to hear what’s going on from rumors. The community had probably come to him. First, he said Lucy Flower High School was scheduled to close and on the West Side. They say, “We ain’t having it!” He added that they’ve waited for five years for a new Westinghouse. The community has had no input. He wants the input now, not when it’s too late. Scott said Smith is a hard working alderman.

Duncan said they are trying to figure out what to put in there, and it has low enrollment. This statement is ironic since the administration of the CPS Board caused it to have low enrollment by telling the school not to accept freshmen. There are 900 applicants for September, according to informed sources. The school is across the street from the largest conservatory, Garfield Park. The State Board and Federal Government fund career and tech classes (not others). The State of Illinois at Urbana has the number one rated College of Agriculture. Smith who got applause for his powerful short speech said he’s always found Duncan and Scott accessible. Afterward he said he had also been to all the Garfield show openings where “Flower” was partnered with it.

Adourthus McDonell and Wes Yates spoke of Hyde Park High School’s needs for facilities. They’d been here before. Duncan said money from Springfield would determine how much could be done. He spoke of students with asthma and the airflow in the school. Scott said he is trying to be equitable in giving resources, but there’s not enough.

Ramona Flowers spoke of the NCLB, supporting it and parent training. She spoke of the effectiveness of Okema Lewis’ training.

Bernard LaCour of Designs for Change talked of Chapter I funds. He asked for a promise from Scott and the Board not to try to centralize the Chapter I funds and leave them to the council. Scott answered: “That would be like asking a drowning man not to reach out for a branch.” He said that he was sure that would be a last resort.

Next Greg Seaphus of K.E.Y.S. an LSC Support Group. He made a long analogy about facing a bear. He gave the Board a paper about policy of eliminating external partners and using a different support plan. Scott said Seaphus had “Enlightened him with his presentation.”

Okema Lewis began speaking, but was interrupted by a cell phone. When she began again she explained that the document she gave the Board showed how 95 percent of funds had no accountability. She explained the process of Federal Funding transfers which must go through the LSC. The transfer must be done in time for parents to go to the May 22 and 23 Conference in Springfield sponsored by five state agencies. If the funds are not transferred, Chicago parents cannot go to the conference. She added that she did not pay all the people who said nice things about her.

Next a large number of LSC members from Columbia Academy, Juarez, Saucedo and PURE and other schools spoke as one. Ismael Vargas spoke for all about the process of principals presenting a budget at the last minute and then the SIPAA, which might be inconsistent with the budget. He said that it might be more than disrespect of the LSC by the principal, but breaking the law.

Barbara Eason-Watkins explained the whole process. April 11 was the last day for any entry on the SIPAA. “The planning,” she said, “should be started early in the school year with the principal working with the LSC. The process is working in most schools.” So Scott said the system should not be complained about. Instead the names of the principals who are not doing what they should be sent to Deanes. Scott said, “We will work with you ... But don’t damn the system. Bring us the names.”

Finally, Mary Sherrod spoke for Barton last. She gave hats to the Board, thanked them for helping with facility problems. She spoke of the problems with the principal, and again lauded Okema Lewis.

Sheila Frazier of Lindblom was going to talk about moving of Lindblom so they could install a central air conditioning system. Apparently, there is lack of understanding of high school students. [The decision was probably made by the same people who wanted the split of Jones students around the city when their building was worked on. In addition, they have learned nothing from the problem with central air this year at schools like South Shore. They also missed the legal cases of the past where central air units weakened roofs or walls at Marshall or Prosser high schools and workmen fell through the ceiling, were injured, and subsequently sued the Board. Not to mention that unlike elementary schools, high schools may have one or two rooms open for long hours when the rest of the school is closed, thus there is increased energy costs for cooling halls needlessly or the entire wing of a building when one or two rooms are used for drama or contest practices of one kind or another.]

After the closed session, Ms Belltran read the lists of who received warning notices, who was fired, who was hired, contract renewals, and board items passed. All were passed except “P.O. 3” (deferred), PR 17 & 18 (deferred), and OP 2 (withdrawn). Then an entire tentative calendar for Board meetings was passed for 2003-2004. The next meeting was changed to May 27 at 125 S. Clark St. The meeting will be on a Tuesday (not the usual Wednesday). Sign up to speak after 8:00 a.m. The public participation session will start at 10:30 a.m.