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Message from the president
We would like to encourage everyone to attend the school closing, turnaround, phase-out and consolidation hearings. The more support these schools have the better chance we have to save them. Click here for the hearing schedule.
On Wednesday, February 10, the day of the last hearing, we will hold an information picket outside of CPS at 4 p.m. Please join the fight! Click here for more information.
Click here to read President Stewart's remarks to the Board of Education.
Recording Secretary Mary McGuire also prepared remarks for the meeting but the Board refused to let her speak. Click here to read her comments.
Click here for the preliminary school closing list. From there, click on the name of the school to download a flyer on how to contact that school's elected officials. Please join us in asking them to oppose these changes.
Click here to view the CTU's analysis of Renaissance 2010.
CTU President Marilyn Stewart released the following statement on Monday following the announcement by CPS officials on the proposed 2010 school actions.
Everyone wants schools to succeed and no one wants that more than the educators in the classroom. But closing schools, removing highly qualified and certified teachers in the name of ‘educational opportunities’ is just wrong.
We agree that the district should be fiscally prudent in looking at operational costs of keeping schools open that are in disrepair and are not conducive learning environments. But we strongly oppose the turnaround model of removing the staff and adults who have long-standing relationships with students and families. Relationships with trusted teachers and staff are key to the emotional well-being of students.
We are particularly disappointed to hear of the turnaround of Deneen and Gillespie and the consolidation of McCorkle Elementary Schools as they are part of the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP).
Teachers at these schools voted 75 percent in favor of adopting the TAP model and now many of these teachers will be pushed out in the first year of the program. How is this sound educational policy? We believe students deserve safeguards and support under the ‘School Closings Student Bill of Rights’. Where are the safeguards, support and programmatic opportunities for teachers and staff at these chosen schools?
CEO Ron Huberman has stated CPS will evaluate the testimony provided at public hearings before making a final recommendation to the Board. We reiterate our call that the appointed school board members be present at all Board hearings to hear first-hand testimony rather than rubber stamp the Board’s recommendations.
The Chicago Teachers Union has consistently opposed the idea of shifting students and closing schools as a means to improving them. We believe closing schools and displacing students and staff is not the answer.
As professional educators we know, and industry research has shown, that smaller classes lead to improved student achievement. Combining schools and students may lead to overcrowding, thus lessening a student’s chance for success. The solution to underutilization is not to create overcrowding.
As a 30-year teaching veteran, I’m concerned about the students, teachers and communities who will be adversely affected by these changes. CPS must consult with the educators and other stakeholders affected in order to minimize or eliminate the adverse affects of these proposed changes. After all, teachers know what students need.
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Marilyn Stewart,
Chicago Teachers Union President
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