BOARDWATCH: James Ward school lists facilities needs after Board neglect... 'Today we submit to you a 1,000 signature petition that accompanies an itemized request for the very urgent need of school furniture, air conditioners and building repairs...'
[Editor's Note: The following remarks were given to the November 20, 2013 meeting of the Chicago Board of Education by Michelle McGruder from James Ward Elementary School. One of the few remaining classic 19th Century school buildings left in Chicago Public Schools, James Ward needs constant care, as the parents and others noted. George N. Schmidt, Editor].
Michelle McGruder tries to bring the facilities needs of James Ward Elementary School to the attention of the Board. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.Dear Chicago Public Schools Board Members,
Thank you for your time and commitment to the betterment of our school.
We, the parents of James Ward World Language School join you in your goal to Educate, Inspire and Transform our children. James Ward School, built in 1875, is a landmark for being Chicago's oldest school building still in use as a school. Our school has a rich and accomplished history. We want our school to remain amongst the top three in the district for perfect attendance. We want to continue to have students winning the Oppenheimer Award for music instruments, teachers winning the Silver Award from the �Teachers for Healthy School� program, and our principal winning the Principal Scholar Award.
Today we submit to you a 1,000 signature petition that accompanies an itemized list of urgent requests for school furniture, air conditioners and building repairs. We are tremendously concerned about the school being safe and its environment being conducive for optimal learning experiences.
We need air conditioners. Students, staff, parent volunteers, and visitors are faced with sweltering conditions in the classrooms and hallways. Regrettably, the lights are turned off in the hallways and free-standing fans are placed in the classrooms in hopes to help keep the building cool. This poses a significant safety risk as our students are forced to walk through dark halls and around potentially dangerous free standing fans. To address this safety concern, we are requesting 25 air conditioners: 17 for classrooms that do not have them, 6 for the hallways and 2 for the gym room.
We are also in desperate need of student chairs as there are not enough to accommodate our students and many of the ones we have are old, wobbly and are in poor condition. To address this need, we are requesting 75 adult-sized student chairs and 50 primary-sized student chairs.
In addition, we are requesting 2 two-drawer file cabinets for the main office to protect confidential student information, screens for our classroom windows to provide a greater level of safety, sound panels for the gym room and a microphone system for the auditorium.
Lastly, there is flooding in the basement which poses a serious safety issue as the flooding occurs in a high traffic walkway. This flooding needs to be investigated and repaired as soon as possible.
We would like to receive funding to make the necessary repairs and procure the requested items. While we hope the funding is made available for procurement, we are willing to accept school furniture and air conditioners in good condition from the schools that were closed.
Safety and security is paramount! There is a plethora of statistics about school safety and other factors that significantly impact the effectiveness of our students� learning environment. Nevertheless, it is obvious that these requests should be satisfied without delay.
We look forward to your quick approval and push to speedily resolve these urgent matters.
Thank you
Comments:
By: Michelle McGruder
Mrs.Randle’s comment
Many times when we reflect on the victories in our past we are afforded strength and encouragement to continue advocating for what is best for both our families and our community. The Board of Education’s response of providing the much needed supplies, repairs, and other items that weren’t listed, were in part, the result of phenomenal tenured teachers like yourself who contribute unwavering support. Many thanks for your support Ms. Randle! I hope you and your family are well!
By: Ivy Randle
The Parent Leader of James Ward School
I would like to thank Mrs. McGruder for representing James Ward School in such a positive way. I appreciate your preparation and hard work to share our needs at James Ward. It takes a special Parent Leader to stand before our school board and present our needs. I applaud you wholeheartedly! You Rock!