By Lotty Blumenthal

After honoring principals of schools with superior attendance, the Board honored student Otis Brown of South Side Occupational Academy, a school that serves special children, for winning the world power lifting 138-pound weight class category by deadlifting 407 lbs at the competition in Finland. With him were his coach and principal.

Prior to the meeting, CEO Arne Duncan had held a press briefing to introduce charter school principals, teachers, and other leaders to the press. Most of the more than 100 charter school people who jammed Duncan’s fifth floor conference room then remained to speak during the school board meeting.

Public participation at board meetings is supposedly governed by strict rules on time allocations and order of speaking. Before each meeting, the board secretary, Estela Beltran, and the board president go over the rules. Many citizens arrive long before the sign-in begins at 8:00 a.m. to ensure that they get to speak. During the summer of 2004, groups and individuals opposing Mayor Daley’s “Renaissance 2010” plan camped out overnight to ensure that they would be able to speak.

The secretary and president of the board still read the procedures, but in recent months, there has been less and less of a relationship between the speakers’ order of speaking and what actually takes place during the meeting.

The praises for charter schools began with the opening speakers. Spencer Plaxico and Quishaun Moore Of Perspectives Charter School spoke about their wonderful experiences there with staff that is like “a family” to them.

Immediately, praise for Perspectives continued into a third speaker. Adriene Leonard (#31) of the Calumet High School TAC, said that she felt Perspectives was good, but they did not originally recommend it because it is a 6 through 12. The community needs a high school where the 8th graders from 13 feeder elementary schools can attend.

Board President Michael Scott remarked on the greatness of all working together.

In June 2004, Scott helped engineer the reorganization of Calumet, despite the fact that it was far from Chicago’s “worst” high school, by closing off 9th grade enrollment. In September 2005, 9th grade was again frozen at Calumet, leaving the school smaller and smaller, while students who would have attended Calumet spread out across the south side of Chicago, in many cases causing disruptions at the schools where they attended.

After the praise for Perspectives Charter, Alderwoman Arenda Troutman, whose 20th Ward includes Englewood High School, spoke.for more than two minutes before the two minute warning. Like many politicians, Troutman was not signed up to speak. She did stop properly then. She told of being in favor of “Renaissance 2010” now, saying that her own three sons were at Williams Elementary School, which had been closed in June 2003 then reopened in September 2004 as one of the first “Renaissance” schools. She said two Renaissance schools were in her ward [which is not the same ward as the Williams school], and she was on the TAC for them.

Next, the “21st Century Charter” group was represented by Marquita Lewis and Desi Smith. They told how their school was “preparing students for a global economy” by having them learn about finance and information technology. Every student would be given a labtop to take home, they promised. Observers asked how many of our “probation” public schools can afford to give students a labtop to take home to do homework with?

This type of advantage given to charter schools over regular area schools is just one of the inequalities. Even most magnet schools do not have such an advantage — giving every student a laptop computer — yet score better than charter schools. There has been no public discussion of how these laptop giveaways are financed, or even whether they go beyond the promises phase. They have become a major marketing tool of charter schools in Chicago, however.

Above: Chicago Teachers Union president Marilyn Stewart tells Chicago’s school board on November 16, 2005, that the 34,000-member union opposes charter schools. A foreign observer attending the public participation portion of the meeting  would have been led to believe that the majority of people in Chicago support the massive expansion of non-union unregulated charter schools approved by the board that day.  More than 100 individuals, most of them African-American, were organized by Chicago schools CEO Arne Duncan and his staff to attend a 9:30 a.m. media event prior to the board meeting. They were then all given passes to attend the board meeting, which began a half hour later. More than 30 of them were then allowed to speak — many without regard to the board’s supposedly rigid rules about public speaking — one-after-another in favor of charter schools and their particular charters. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.

After the “21st Century Charter Group” spoke, there was a brief break in the orchestrated praise of charter schools. Chicago Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart (#54) was called to speak. She opposed doing only for charters what the CTU has advocated for all schools: “New or refurbished schools, smaller class sizes, autonomy, and flexibility to do what is best for the kids.” She said that these conditions are being done in “Fresh Start Schools.” These are schools where the union and board are working jointly to make improvements.

She said she was appalled at the proliferation of charters. “You continue to use public tax dollars to reward politically connected companies with contracts,” she said forcefully. She continued that the Board is not opening true neighborhood schools when they close a school, then “Require that the children test to [gain entrance to] that school.” This also creates a disadvantage to the remaining public schools in the community, bringing down scores of schools who take in those who are rejected by the charters. Despite their advantages, charters perform more poorly than magnet schools, and in some cases don’t even do as well as their local community public schools on standardized tests.

Stewart was especially critical of the board’s plan to continue the expansion of the Aspira charter. “You are going to reward Aspira with another charter school when the one they run at Haugan still does not have books or supplies,” she said. “Is this because three of the Aspira’s eight board members are high ranking city employees for Mayor Daley?”

Citing a major study, she stated that Michigan has improved 85 percent of their schools “by appointing new principals — not turning a school’s operation over to a private company.” She mentioned some problem with the company meant to start a “virtual school.” She claimed “You’re sabotaging your own efforts! Shame of you for doing that!”

Next the Providence-St. Mel Charter at the Englewood Campus was represented by Walter Mathews and Bernard Lily who both talked of their religious backgrounds. They spoke of this wonderful charter their school would run at the “Ralph Bunche campus.” It will be interesting to see the “required test scores” needed to enter this school and if there is true separation of Church and State for tax monies. Will the rejection of students “with problems” cause further stress to surrounding schools in terms of test scores and violence? Almost all Catholic schools do not accept special education students in their Chicago schools generally. Michael Scott lauded Paul Adams who did not speak. Scott said his brother went to this school and his mother was very involved with it.

Next EvAngel Mamatu YHWH newBN and Darryl Bradley spoke opposing changing Englewood High School to schools for an elite few, losing the name and identity of it, and lack of community input. Englewood and South Shore about 50 years ago, when their neighborhoods were socio-economically middle class, were two of the top schools in Chicagoland. Five great writers, as well as other important people, went to Englewood: Gwendolyn Brooks, Sam Greenley, Walter Mosely, Lorraine Hansberry and Harry Mark Petrakis. Since those in charge of CPS know little about the history of Chicago schools, they pay little homage to the glorious past of its schools. They think nothing existed before their lifetimes. Ev and Darryl apparently know. She thanked the members of the board for renaming McCosh for Emmet Till, her idea. Then objected to tax-payer money used to create school given to privateers for elite groups of students while dispersing local students into a kind of community diaspora, creating poorer conditions in schools receiving rejected students. She spoke of a Federal lawsuit, using the precedent of Brown vs. Board, involving students being treated unequally. She said that it is in appeals court, asking for an injunction.

Darryl Bradley said that he opposed Urban Prep because of: (l) discrimination against females who are not allowed, (2) gender separation is a throw back to slavery, (3) the community was not fairly informed or involved, (4) the decision was rushed and violates Human, Civil and Constitutional 14th Amendment rights, (5) past practice has shown male unisex situations as encouraging homosexual relations, (6) in the 1960’s, 62 percent graduated (but since Daley’s in charge, 39 percent graduate), (7) these graduate rates are worse since in the 60’s less people graduated high schools than they do today, and (8)This is another example of “De facto segregation.” Ev joined him in saying: “I will always resist and oppose it.”

The next speaker, Paula Adams, had been trying since September to get the same homebound teacher for her two children, as the previous year, when they had a teacher had helped so well. The principal, AIO, and staff in the department of special education had problems paying the teacher and keeping her at Adams home, she told the Board. Michael Scott asked special education chief Renee Grant Mitchell to solve the problem and give him a written report, explaining the delays.

Ali Yilmaz and Che Calix spoke on behalf of the Chicago Mathematics and Science Academy charter school in Rogers Park. They talked of it being wonderful.

Next, Tim King and Evan Lewis spoke of the all-male “Urban Prep Charter at Englewood.” Lewis’ main point was that he went to an all-male Catholic School that changed his life. [I taught in a few public schools during a 37 year career — both co-ed and all male — and the education in these schools always affected some students’ lives in a positive, life-changing manner. That is what schools are supposed to do. All of them do that to some students. It is not an educational statistic or track record, but an anecdote. Again, since it seems to be run by religiously inspired people, will it reject special ed and troubled youth like the Catholic schools do? Where will they go? What effect will that have?]

Next, Alderman Brookins, who was not listed, spoke.of being in favor of the charter school, Perspectives, at Calumet. Then Rev. Watkins spoke on behalf of Bobby Rush (who was involved in TAC at Bunche and Englewood) saying he was in favor of the proposals to change the schools. Watkins was one of the few people of the day with experience at public schools: He said that he went to Lane Tech and Morgan Park and that his mother went to Flower.

After he finished, a Ms Townes, who was not announced, not on the list got up and basically wasted two more minutes saying the same thing her predecessors said without being called out of order.

Then Cecilla Mowatt and Gregory Livingston were announced as the next speakers. Mowatt said how great Renaissance 2010 is and what great opportunities it represents.

Rev. Livingston — of Westside Ministers Coalition — asked for a portion of federal funds be given to the proposed Austin Cluster after school programs. He also asked that academic elitism not overcome community recognition in giving credit to the ministers’ group for coming up with the idea of the “Entrepreneur Academy” for Austin.

Sylvester Hendricks (#15) first spoke of the passing of Lonzi O’Bannon who had given so much to CPS schools in many capacities. He turned the tribute over to Okema Lewis who had spoken at Lonzi’s funeral. She quoted some of his words as well as citing his accomplishments. All in the room gave a standing moment of respect for Lonzi. Michael Scott said he did not know until now of his November 1 passing. Then Hendricks said that although he thought the schools being proposed for the Englewood campus might be good, but that as an Englewood alumnus, he did not want to see the name of Englewood being left out of the schools.

Next, Michael Fehrenback spoke in glittering generalities about the intentions of the new “Catalyst School” being successful for students. Caprice Smalley, a teacher there, spoke of the 97 percent parent participation, which has displaced the former drug dealers in the area. He has watched the community change for the good.

Then Pablo Sierra and Jane Zamora spoke for Noble Street Charter, a school not only with a selective enrollment, but which apparently does not have to keep students who do not work out, unlike magnet or other schools with selective enrollment (such as Lane and Whitney Young). Yet despite advantages, Noble Street does not test as well as any of these schools, or as Jones or Payton. They both spoke of being happy that their school will continue.

After the speakers on behalf of Noble Street, former Illinois schools superintendent Michael Bakalis (one of the few with some educational background) spoke of the hope for the “Entrepreneurship Academy” at Austin (a school whose graduates not only include Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa, but Michael Bakalis himself). Speaking with him was Malcolm Crawford, a member of the Austin area businessmen, speaking of a concrete plan to create an African-themed business area as a result the small school which will be working with area businesses.

Next slated and signed up to speak were Timothy Prehelm and Peter Stewart of a K through 12 “Chicago Virtual School” Their proposal will be totally taught by computer. No one was surprised when another an unlisted speaker, Tina Hawkins came to the “mike” instead of Peter Stewart. A graduate of Coorlis High School, she made statements which seemed not to have been researched. She is a member of the “Design Team.” She did not state her qualifications to be on the design team. By this time in the meeting, Board Secretary Beltran had apparently stopped trying to monitor the list of speakers, at least insofar as they were speaking about charter schools.

I went outside the meeting room and asked if Hawkins had ever checked out for truth any allegations made against the teachers’ union. She had not. I asked why she illegally spoke and why her team did not follow the rules about not having a speaker who is not signed up. She said she thought she could speak instead of Peter. I asked if she or her group had listened to the rules when Scott announced them at the beginning or bothered to find out what they were. She said, “What’s your e-mail. I’ll e-mail you.” I told her she could have my phone number. She said (and I’m quoting) that she was “too advanced to use the phone. I’m beyond that.”

Well, the next time she needs a fireman or policeman, she should e-mail them. I told her she could e-mail me in care of Substance. She said she was “too advanced to email an organization.” She also is to be at Virtual as a teacher’s aide. She did not say whether she would be paid or not. Virtual, which also had some problems because of its connection to former Education Secretary William Bennett, was the only one that did not get a contract as a Chicago charter school.

Following Virtual K-12, Mary Beth Welch and Missy Ravid were to speak on behalf of Aspira. The Aspira charter schools are the most politically connected school and have had no successful record. They were given the new Haugan, built with tax-money after much controversy last May. They said that Northeastern University is supposed to work with them, but did not seem to help when it opened. Community people told Substance that the new school’s students had no books or (promised) laptop computers.

After Aspira, another illegal speaker Sonja Sanchez (who never signed up) spoke instead of Missy Ravid who was standing there. She reiterated the comments of the other speaker from Aspira. Is it an omen that the charter schools cannot or do not follow the rules at this meeting and are not called on the illegality by any Board member or staffer? As these charters begin operations, will they get the same special treatment, while regular public schools are under more and more heavy scrutiny?

Janice Alexander Scott talked of dropping the ETC Nursing program at Von Steuben High School for her 11th grade son. She began to cry, so Okema Lewis finished reading her distraught words. High Schools chief Donald Pittman assured her that the program would not be cut by Central Office budgeteers. However, to receive proper credit, a certain number of hours must be spent in the classes by the student.

After what seemed like a morning of charter school cheerleading, a speaker tried to bring the Board back to some of the realities of Chicago. Zenaida Alonzo of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless told why she was against Renaissance 2010. She handed Board members a 28-page rational for her statements that she was against the 16 new schools since they violated the law by not offering the same protections as other public schools for homeless students. She cited a precedent law case — “Salazar v Edwards...” — in citing that these students did not have protections cited in the contracts with these schools. The Coalition, at 325 S. Wabash, can be reached at 1312 435 4548. They do not list an email. They objected to the wordings of each of the contracts which by lottery would omit them. There were 9,000 homeless students in CPS last year.

Ramon Cervantes (of his “OPERATION Crusade Don Quixote”) spoke about many things, among them whom he supported in politics and the lack of participation of students in certain Cinco de Mayo parades which he organizes.

Kathleen Meyer of Carson School told of needed repairs to the building, especially the windows. Sean Murphy said he would go to the school and give them whatever support he could.

Next, instead of a speaker on the list for the Chicago International Charter School, another illegal speaker named Sara Fergus spoke.

Then (#41) Connie Van Brunt spoke talking of high test scores and acceptance at good high schools and her daughter being a ballerina.

Then Okema Lewis spoke about Marquette School. She had a legally signed and approved contract, apparently for $8,000.00. It gave her a “partial” payment. It owes her the whole $8,000.00. Scott asked that it be resolved “ASAP.” How many bankers on the Board?

Next Wanda Hopkins, representing PURE, said that the board’s administration was derelict in publicizing the impending election of new or former LSC members. She wanted more publicity about this. James Deanes told of the plans already put in place.

Julian Lazalde of the Resurrection Project called upon another illegal speaker, a Mr Ruiz, who had not signed up to read a prepared statement about the children of immigrants who are undocumented in Chicago, hoping for a meeting with Duncan about problems as acceptance in schools and further education.

Greg Seaphus told of suggestions for improvements in test scores, his 31 year involvement in CPS, and closing the gap between reading and math scores. He had a document he had apparently given the board because he referred to the documents statistics. He referred to pages 1, 3, and 9. He hoped the Board consider these proposals.

Cleaophas Ingram of the “Council of Elders of Englewood High School” spoke next. He said felt that the resources and support for public schools in the past were missing. Schools are underfunded. Discipline is lax. There use to be guards at all doors. Now, there are barely guards at one. There is a lack of cooperation between the community and the school. Ingram was the second-to-last last speech.

Just when it seemed that the public participation portion of the meeting was coming to an uneventful end, the last listed speaker, one Paul McKinley, came to the microphone. In less than two minutes, he began a verbal confrontation with Michael Scott, accusing the Board of Education of turning African American children over to “pedophile Catholic priests.” McKinley was highly critical of the charter schools that were going to parochial groups. Scott replied to him at first, then ignored his continued remarks. After McKinley spoke, the official meeting was called to order and the board went into executive session.