Report on the public participation part of the May 23, 2007 meeting of the Chicago Board of Education
The Board started its May 23, 2007, meeting by honoring current astronaut Higginbotham (an alumna from Whitney Young) and citing over a hundred students who had full scholarships to four-year universities, seven students who had 12 years perfect attendance, students who had four years of perfect attendance, and a CVS film student who won a national film award (and whose film has been nominated for an Emmy), three students who won awards for their Business Plans, and some others.
They also congratulated Marilyn Stewart for being re-elected CTU president.
The honors continued for more than an hour, while parents who had taken off from work to participate in the public participation waited — and waited. Some had to leave before they were called. A number of people have begun suggesting that the Board hold a separate meeting every month to honor those deserving honors. To many observers, the lengthy list of honorees seemed to be designed to reduce the amount of time parents had to complain about problems the Board had been causing at their schools.
The public participation did not start until 11:47 a.m, when Board President Rufus Williams read the rules.
The first speaker was Chitunda Tillman, Sr. (www.mathandme. net & educational electronic babymat) a vendor. He claimed a math program he had created was not bought by the Board, but “bogarted” by another company who sold it to the Board for millions of dollars. He wanted to the Board to buy it from him for less. He kept asking the same question over and over, no matter what Williams or any staff member said, responded or asked. He refused to leave the microphone for anyone else to speak. Finally, security guards escorted him out.
The next speaker was DeMarco Bell. He was reading a speech for his mother requesting his return to a classroom. He had a problem with his teacher. Williams said a meeting should be held with Flavia Hernandez, who seems to now be to the elementary schools what Don Pittman is to the high schools. The student claimed to be suspended for false charges.
Janice Freeman, the LSC chair from Price, asks that LSC’s powers remain. She said,”We are not a political pawn.” LSCs’ voice represents teachers, parents and the community.
Dwayne Truss of the Austin TAC gave condolences to Arne Duncan of the loss of his father and thanked staff members and the Board for what they have done. He voiced concerns for ignoring of community groups and eroding powers of an LSC.
Janice Jeffries of Marquette Elementary School said she was against asking for further funds until parents are respected. She said that her young son has had three full-time teachers this year — She said 28 days of substitutes have occurred this year. She admitted entering and disrupting the class., but said that one of the substitutes was acting unprofessionally. She asked for compensatory service for the loss of the class time. Williams said he would look into the situation.
Craig B. Mousin from the Senn High School community talked again about the unfair actions brought about by the Rickover Academy invading and taking over one-third of the Senn High School building while having about one-eighth of the students — causing the normal Senn students into overcrowded conditions.
He also asked that a violent link from CPS’s website to “American’s Army Game” be eliminated, given that the game simulated shotting people. He claimed that such games and Army recruitment are a cause of violence. Williams said he would remove the link, but said that the military academies are college prep opportunities, not military training programs.
Bonita Robinson a 35 veteran teacher of Ellington School who still loves teaching. There is no PPLC at the school this year. Many parents can’t speak for their children. In their new building, there are labs. There are no activities for students and some labs are not being used. Some children aren’t given the same treatment as others. Williams congratulated her for her activities. She said that this year was the worst for educational environment.
Erin Lanaee of Chicago International Charter (CICS) asked for renewal of another five years for the school because the school is good, she said. Williams said he had visited the school, and it was wonderful.
Nyoki Lewis of the Westside Health Authority spoke of the problems of Austin parents who prefer their children go to high school in their area. She talked of the violence wrought by closing schools before providing for adequate spaces for the area’s students. At this time there are about 800 area students in Austin not yet registered for high school. Parents can’t afford the bus fare. Travel to other areas makes high school “Less about education and more about trying to survive.” She accurately cited how the closing causes many problems and violence. She asked all 8th graders be contacted by CPS and given options. She asked for a neighborhood high school. Duncan said he’s working on it. Someone yelled out “Not Clemente!”
Katherine Konopasek a CPS employee on the Golden Apple Foundation and the Assistant Principals Association who honored Donald Pittman this year who spoke to a standing ovation.
Susan Bertucci of Christopher Elementary has a severe and profound disabled student who she wants placed in high school is another placement that is less restrictive environment. She asked regional and downtown people meet and select an appropriate school.
EvAngel Mamadee YHWHnewBN of the Emmett Till Road Foundation asked about co-operation for the Children are the Reward of Life Week starting June 1. She asked that the face of violence be changed. She asked for distribution of information for the activities.Williams refused to co-operate in the event in any way.
Christopher O’Banion asked that McDade Classical School expand their school to 7th and 8th grade for their students since the space exists, the classical program could continue, and students would be safer and closer to home. Duncan said they’d look into it.
Victoria Freeman , a sixth grader, spoke on behalf of her absent principal of Sayre Language Academy gave “An Update” on the Energynet program’s positive results. Williams called her back to the microphone twice to thank her for her presentation.
Adourthus McDowell of Smyth Elementary School thanked Rufus Williams for the Cosby Seminar. He’s been a 14 year LSC volunteer. He asked “What is the rationale” for CPS to introduce legislation to take away LSC power to hire principals. Williams and Duncan denied having done so. McDowell asked if it’s the intent to do so. Williams did not deny this. McDowell said LSCs are generally good and should be a part of CPS.
Robert Young and Clara Puckett of the “Kick the K-Word Coalition” again sought to have CPS try to enforce the not using the word “Kids” in schools. As previously reported, they also think that the use of a word they say refers to goats is “Satanic.”
Bobbie Townsend (Dusable/Dyett) gave Duncan a video to play. Dyett and DuSable both have elevators that don’t work, she said. This is bad for both the disabled and senior volunteers. She asked seniors to volunteer.
Naomi Counter-Ohiri of Yates who has a special needs child. She wanted complete testing, busing and bus aid for her and placed in a school nearer her home. She asked, ”Help me help my child.”
Trisa Slaughter-White of Burke Elementary Schools said that because of gangs in the school and sex offenders in the area she asked for a transfer to another school.
Maricela Fernandez of Hurley Elementary School asked that the school not be put on year round (called multi-track) schedule. Parents don’t want this answer to overcrowding. She asked for other options since there is space for a mobile and rental space in nearby Catholic schools.
Guadalupe Carrillo talked in Spanish when an addition is needed. Money has been spent of flashy show high schools, leaving no money for other schools. Duncan was to meet with them the next day. Two days later, Hurley parents made headlines for demonstrating on the issue of the lack of alternatives.
Elena Rios of Designs for Change spoke eloquently, yet humbly, in favor of LSC power to choose principals of local schools. She said that it isn’t only parents guilty of choosing poor principals since the LSC can only choose those trained and listed as eligible by CPS. CPS is thus as accountable. She only asked that CPS work with LSC parents. Williams said CPS is working in the best interest of the child. Bobbins interrupted with trying to work with various factions. Williams thought that all was being resolved until Bobbins comments.
Stan Jendresak of Seward Elementary wanted accountability and oversight of a program costing millions to train principals for inner city schools. Of the 11 certified persons who started in August 2005, none are principals, and some still have course work paid for while teaching in the suburbs. He asked the program be changed. Williams had him meet immediately with a staff person.
Annette Dorsey of South Side United Organization said that the principal does not allow parents in the school at Lavizzo Elementary.
The regular meeting was then called to order. Sylvia Flowers then talked of the “REAL” program, the first 10 merit pay schools funded by Federal funds. She said that ten more schools will be added the following years. This program was worked out and with CTU agreement, a news item not mentioned before the election. Schools were asked to apply for acceptance into the program. It will include 50 to 90 minutes of common time for teachers to meet together, paid professional development, $4,000 for teachers, $5,000 for principal, and various amounts for other school staff members. School meetings were held. Over 75 percent of staff had to vote to buy into the program.
The program is for five years. Board member Clara Munana asked the criteria for receiving the merit pay. It is test scores. Connee Fitch-Blanks of the Chicago Teachers Union QUEST Center is lisison with the Board to the program.
