LSC News

Further investigation needed to report southwest side saga

By Joe Guzman

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell a story. To tell a story well I mean. Last month we promised that we would tell a story of a beleaguered Southwest side elementary school — stirred by controversy, danced with lawsuits and peppered with accusations. And like a Clark Street artichoke, the more we peeled, the more we got to the heart of the matter. The school administration claims trouble from a select few, while the members of the LSC claim disenfranchisement from the principal and favorites.

After numerous failed attempts to contact the principal and Board officials, we were prepared publish the story. When notified that this story was going to press, the school principal started to talk, and some who have heard of our pending story wanted to tell their side.

For accuracy and fairness we decided to postpone this story and further investigate the situation for a future issue of Substance. We have been provided with statements and supportive documentation by the accusers and now coax the same from the defenders. We will listen to all willing to go on the record and collect further evidence supporting or discounting the accusations. The truth always becomes apparent and all must be held accountable for their actions.

The Chicago school system holds many stories waiting to be told. Thank you all who have invited me into your homes to tell of your situations and lack of support form Clark Street. Some of the stories that you have shared with us are regarding students who have been physically and mentally abused, lost LSC minutes, hidden budget items, racial prejudice, harassment of the children of outspoken LSC members and disregard for LSC authority. I imagine that many school administrators are wondering if it’s their school that we will be writing about next. Well, cut out the problems, and it won’t be.

If you have a problem or situation at your school, please assemble your documents and people willing to go on the record and contact us. Again, please accept our apologies for the postponement of our latest LSC story.