The purpose of this blog is to organize documentation of the hearings that the appointed Chicago Board of Education is holding to hear public response to the proposed closings, consolidations, phase-outs and turnarounds.
Hearing Notes: Thurs. Jan. 29, on the closing of South Chicago Elementary School.
Speakers at this hearing eloquently demolished the Board's claim that they had good reason to close the school. The hearing, taking place two days before the CPS "New Schools Expo", promoting many schools as great because they are small, exposed the lie that CPS is interested in every child getting a great education. This is obviously a wonderful school by any standard, but instead of promoting it, CPS is closing it.
Hearing opens with attempt by Luis Rodriguez of the Law Department and James Dispensa (Research Department?) to portray closing as objective and based on "space utilization". Dispensa says current students can transfer to neighborhood schools or, for 14 autism students, "appropriate" programs.
Testimony
Paula Bullard, parent, has 5 children at South Chicago, 4 boys. Previously they attended unsafe, overcrowded school, were chased home, jumped on, approached to try drugs-- this was their neighborhood school. She had to arrange to take them to school every day, leading to her missing work, etc. At South Chicago, their grades jumped-- all now on the A or B honor roll--no threatenings, no gang activity. They are doing a good job there. Small classes allow them to receive the attention they need.
Walter Bothe, works at the school with urban tech community program. On bus ride to school, passes other schools with rowdy students, but when he gets to 83rd Street, where South Chicago is, different atmosphere. School kids are willing to learn, greet him warmly, come during after school program to learn how to work on computers. Great atmosphere. School is wonderful. Don't close it.
Michelle Walker, parent. Son in autism program, especially created. Great teacher. Doors of South Chicago open to other schools that are overcrowded, such as Ninos Heroes, Powell, Bradwell. Parents turned down at Sullivan come to South Chicago too. Students assigned to Sullivan have to walk 8 blocks out of the way. They could go close to home. South Chicago has diversity, before and after school programs, higher grades, achievement, staff comes in early and stays late. Parents know children are in nurturing environment. Summer programs.
Natasha Conway, parent. School is not violent. Not one fight. Other schools in community are violent. If rumors of high school being put into the South Chicago building are true, that would add to violence.
Genoveva Mejia, teacher. Advocate for students and school and community. Quality schools should not be closed. School offers many new and innovative programs. Disservice to students to close.
(At some point, Rufus Williams walked in.)
Ms. Wilson, parent of two. Children have excelled since coming to South Chicago school. Child was bad and had trouble reading. Teachers have worked with him and me. School helps in all areas. Child had trouble in bigger school. They would not explain. I didn't know either. This school explains, breaks it down. Scores improving.
Gloria Torres, teacher assistant. Studies show small schools provide personal, intimate environment. School has provided for growth personally and academically. CPS promotes small schools and AMPS schools with some less than 250. We are beginning to see growth. We are a small school. Why not keep ours open? We can achieve a great deal. Reconsider.
Principal, Marcos Ayala . School opened in 2002. Committed staff. Targeted to relieve overcrowding from surrounding schools. Goal to educate and prepare all. Went from 50 to 64% meeting or exceeding ISAT standards. Special ed students are at cusp of meeting standards. They are included in regular classes. Not underutilized. Maximizing use. Parents have right to safe learning environment. South Chicago committed to work with community to provide educational services to all. Many large schools have been turned into small schools.
Earl Silbar, CORE. Clear from testimonies that this is exceptional school. Optimum learning when class sizes under 20. Hearings have no impact whatsoever on Board, who make decisions in secret session. Decisions are governed by Ren 2010, maximizing returns for real estate.
Marilyn Stewart, CTU President. Hearing held too early for teachers to come (3:00). Happy to see Rufus. South Chicago created as small school. Sullivan got new building. South Chicago is in old Sullivan building. Here's a solution: Instead of phasing it out, since brand new Sullivan is underutilized—they have excellent community, parent relationship. Instead of closing, move students and their teachers into Sullivan. Or are you going to close new Sullivan? There is a pattern of new buildings going to charter and other schools.
John Kugler, CSDU. As schools close, their students come to our school, Hyde Park. It makes it difficult for teachers to promote positive attitude with labels like probation and might be closed. Teahers and PSRPs are all affected. They are being used as scapegoats in march to privatize urban schools. In other cities, valued teachers are reassigned. Displaced personnel in Chicago are arbitrarily removed. Waste of human resources. Disruption to educational environment. How can a teacher do their job when they're worried about their job every year? Should save and protect jobs not close schools. Knows 27-year teacher who is now a substitute because school was closed. Protect children and adults who rely on board of ed. for a livelihood.
Our hearing officer, Mr. Respicio F. Vazquez, is a partner in the law firm of Franczek Radelet & Rose P.C. The Franczek firm represents the Board in many legal matters. According to the Franczek website, the firm: Franczek Radelet & Rose P.C. concentrates on representing management, both private and public, in all aspects of labor and employment law, as well as offering unsurpassed depth in education law. So in reality our “Independent Hearing Officer” is far from independent. Here is his resume from Franczek website.
Respicio F. Vazquez (Partner) born Chicago, Illinois, August 19, 1960; admitted to bar, 1986, Illinois. Education: DePaul University (B.S.C., Business Administration, 1982; J.D., 1985). General Counsel, Illinois State Board of Education, 2000-2004. State Superintendent of Education, Illinois, 2002. Former General Counsel and Former First Assistant General Counsel, City Colleges of Chicago. Fomer Assistant Attorney, Chicago Board of Education. Special Assistant Attorney General and Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Illinois Attorney General . Member: Illinois State Bar Association. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Education; Government. Email: Respicio F. Vazquez
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Peabody Elementary School Closing Hearing
Hearing Officer Respicio Vazquez announced that the hearing report would be issued some time before the Feb. 25 Board Meeting. A court reporter was present to transcribe testimony. James Dispensa gave the underutilization figures which the Board uses to justify closing the school. Peabody is listed at 35% and neighboring Lozano at 31%, Talcott at 44%. Of the currently enrolled 265 students at Peabody, 77 or 29% are students whose parents live outside of the neighborhood and bring them to school every day.
Alderman Walter Burnett, 27nd Ward was the first speaker. He stated that in his ward 3 schools were affected this year: Peabody, Carpenter, Shiller. He stated that he was “not in full support of the closings, for now. Maybe after further discussion.......” would he then be in full suport, after his “concerns” are answered. He mentioned that he understood that students from 1st through 4th grade would still attend Peabody. [Staff testifying later said that he was talking about the Noble Street affiliate, Northwestern Settlement Grammar School, which is located next door to Peabody and has been hoping to acquire Peabody's building.]
One African-American parent testified that as a CPS student, she had been in many overcrowded classrooms, and that Peabody was her school of choice precisely because her daughter was taught in a small school with manageable class sizes. Multiple parents spoke whose families had been part of Peabody for 2 and 3 generations. They cited the family atmosphere, safety of the school, wonderful location. One mom (30 year association with Peabody) said she had been forced out of the neighborhood but drove her kids 1 ½ hrs each day to Peabody.
The principal testified that their school was one of 8 which had just been removed from the NCLB list of “improvement status” which contained 324 Illinois schools. This is in part because the school met AYP the last two school years and ISAT scores had risen the last 5 years, and 7 out of the last 8 yrs. The school on Nov 25, 2008, received a congratulatory letter for their achievements from Illinois State Supt. Of Education Chris Koch.
Marilyn Stewart spoke, called out the School Board members & Rufus W—all absent. Said she heard that the school would be sold to Noble Street. She vowed to meet with Huberman and Daley. Promised that “we will be out here every month to protest what you're doing...” Mark Ochoa and field rep Gregg Cox were also present.
Teachers gave great presentations on research related to small school success: positive learning environment, greater student security and achievement, etc. Mentioned how charter school concept is actually based on research pointing to positives of small school communities. Peabody is now housed in 2 buildings and could be consolidated into 1 building which would then be fully utilized. An UC study was cited that students who were forced to change schools 3 times fell 1 full academic year behind. Some of the Peabody students were displaced from Anderson, and will be displaced again.
Multiple parents spoke whose families had been part of Peabody for 2 and 3 generations. They cited the family atmosphere, safety of the school, wonderful location. One mom (30 year association with Peabody) said she had been forced out of the neighborhood but drove her kids 1 ½ hrs each day to Peabody.
I spoke and identified myself as CORE.
I counted about 90 people towards end of hearing.
The Peabody presentation was impressive. I realized that it doesn't matter how many wonderful teachers you have, how many great programs, what your level of commitment is, how invested the parents are. No matter what are the great things a school has got going on, if the Board wants to shut you down and turn you over to someone else—such as Nobel Street's elementary affiliate—that's what they're going to do. Or try to do.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Carpenter Elementary School Closing Hearing
This hearing began at 8:00 p.m. 104 people were there at the beginning; Carpenter had rented a bus, asking families for $5 each to pay for it. James Dispensa gave his underutilization figures:
Carpenter is allegedly at 23%, nearby Otis at 42%. Students will mostly be sent to Otis. Today Carpenter houses the 6th-8th grades of Ogden School, and Dispensa stated that the combined utilization rate with both schools is ”under 50%”.
Marilyn spoke again, bragged about how she'd been there “all night”. Repeated that “this is a movement.” Told Carpenter, “You have to combine with other schools and get bigger and bigger.” Marilyn and Mark Ochoa were there; not sure when they left. I also saw Peter Ardito.
The beginning of the hearing was parent participation: parents said that the Otis School, where the students will be sent, is not up to the standards of Carpenter—it has lower test scores, it is in a 100-year-plus building, lunch is served in the gym. One mother/leader said the Board was putting their kids in danger making them travel to the other school. She called them out on the supposed “phase-out” of Carpenter and said, “Look at Anderson! They said it'd take 7 years! It took 2 years!” Then she shouted, “You don't understand! CARPENTER BELONGS TO THE COMMUNITY AND NOBODY ELSE!”
One-third of Carpenter is special education—hard of hearing program, TMH, Visually impaired, Emotional disorders, Learning disabilities, one other. Recently passed an ISBE special ed audit. 96% free and reduced lunch. One mom talked about how her hard of hearing son had made such great progress. ”He's been through so much and he's made such great progress. All they think about is money instead of the kids and their education.” Another mom talked about how her kid has just exited the LD program in 7th grade thanks to the dedication of the staff.
Another mom said, “We pay taxes! We have many years in the community. You don't have to move us out of it!” Many parents commented on how they pay taxes, how high rent is, and how they want to keep their school. Said: “many new condos have been built here. Other people can come, but we want the school for our kids.” A Latino father: “I'm part of this community for many years. I want my children to be a professional like you. Don't phase out, phase in.” A mother: “Now that our neighborhood is improving, now they want to move us out.” Another mom, “Do you do this because we are low income? You say we'll be phased out now but you'll close us down soon because you'll say our enrollment is down.”
Principal spoke. She attacked Dispensa's “utilization” figures. Said it is not 30-1 in a school where 1/3 of the population is special ed. The figures are antiquated and must be gotten rid of. One presenter was a university Prof who sits as Community Rep on LSC. She also attacked the utilization formula, saying by law the figures should be 10 or 15 students/room. “CPS is closing the very type of school that they should be encouraging.” Teachers talked about arts programs and partnerships: Joffrey, CSO, Lyric Opera, musicals, plays, Oppenheimer Grants, Drive awards, school garden program, etc etc etc etc. They mentioned the wonderful special ed program and costly building modifications for the hearing impaired students.
John Kugler spoke as part of an (unnamed) group. He said that his group was not in favor of a moratorium, they want to stop these closings! Huge applause.
Hearing Notes: Thurs. Jan. 29, on the closing of South Chicago Elementary School.
ReplyDeleteSpeakers at this hearing eloquently demolished the Board's claim that they had good reason to close the school. The hearing, taking place two days before the CPS "New Schools Expo", promoting many schools as great because they are small, exposed the lie that CPS is interested in every child getting a great education. This is obviously a wonderful school by any standard, but instead of promoting it, CPS is closing it.
Hearing opens with attempt by Luis Rodriguez of the Law Department and James Dispensa (Research Department?) to portray closing as objective and based on "space utilization". Dispensa says current students can transfer to neighborhood schools or, for 14 autism students, "appropriate" programs.
Testimony
Paula Bullard, parent, has 5 children at South Chicago, 4 boys. Previously they attended unsafe, overcrowded school, were chased home, jumped on, approached to try drugs-- this was their neighborhood school. She had to arrange to take them to school every day, leading to her missing work, etc. At South Chicago, their grades jumped-- all now on the A or B honor roll--no threatenings, no gang activity. They are doing a good job there. Small classes allow them to receive the attention they need.
Walter Bothe, works at the school with urban tech community program. On bus ride to school, passes other schools with rowdy students, but when he gets to 83rd Street, where South Chicago is, different atmosphere. School kids are willing to learn, greet him warmly, come during after school program to learn how to work on computers. Great atmosphere. School is wonderful. Don't close it.
Michelle Walker, parent. Son in autism program, especially created. Great teacher. Doors of South Chicago open to other schools that are overcrowded, such as Ninos Heroes, Powell, Bradwell. Parents turned down at Sullivan come to South Chicago too. Students assigned to Sullivan have to walk 8 blocks out of the way. They could go close to home. South Chicago has diversity, before and after school programs, higher grades, achievement, staff comes in early and stays late. Parents know children are in nurturing environment. Summer programs.
Natasha Conway, parent. School is not violent. Not one fight. Other schools in community are violent. If rumors of high school being put into the South Chicago building are true, that would add to violence.
Genoveva Mejia, teacher. Advocate for students and school and community. Quality schools should not be closed. School offers many new and innovative programs. Disservice to students to close.
(At some point, Rufus Williams walked in.)
Ms. Wilson, parent of two. Children have excelled since coming to South Chicago school. Child was bad and had trouble reading. Teachers have worked with him and me. School helps in all areas. Child had trouble in bigger school. They would not explain. I didn't know either. This school explains, breaks it down. Scores improving.
Gloria Torres, teacher assistant. Studies show small schools provide personal, intimate environment. School has provided for growth personally and academically. CPS promotes small schools and AMPS schools with some less than 250. We are beginning to see growth. We are a small school. Why not keep ours open? We can achieve a great deal. Reconsider.
Principal, Marcos Ayala . School opened in 2002. Committed staff. Targeted to relieve overcrowding from surrounding schools. Goal to educate and prepare all. Went from 50 to 64% meeting or exceeding ISAT standards. Special ed students are at cusp of meeting standards. They are included in regular classes. Not underutilized. Maximizing use. Parents have right to safe learning environment. South Chicago committed to work with community to provide educational services to all. Many large schools have been turned into small schools.
Earl Silbar, CORE. Clear from testimonies that this is exceptional school. Optimum learning when class sizes under 20. Hearings have no impact whatsoever on Board, who make decisions in secret session. Decisions are governed by Ren 2010, maximizing returns for real estate.
Marilyn Stewart, CTU President. Hearing held too early for teachers to come (3:00). Happy to see Rufus. South Chicago created as small school. Sullivan got new building. South Chicago is in old Sullivan building. Here's a solution: Instead of phasing it out, since brand new Sullivan is underutilized—they have excellent community, parent relationship. Instead of closing, move students and their teachers into Sullivan. Or are you going to close new Sullivan? There is a pattern of new buildings going to charter and other schools.
John Kugler, CSDU. As schools close, their students come to our school, Hyde Park. It makes it difficult for teachers to promote positive attitude with labels like probation and might be closed. Teahers and PSRPs are all affected. They are being used as scapegoats in march to privatize urban schools. In other cities, valued teachers are reassigned. Displaced personnel in Chicago are arbitrarily removed. Waste of human resources. Disruption to educational environment. How can a teacher do their job when they're worried about their job every year? Should save and protect jobs not close schools. Knows 27-year teacher who is now a substitute because school was closed. Protect children and adults who rely on board of ed. for a livelihood.
Norine Gutekanst wrote:
ReplyDeleteOur hearing officer, Mr. Respicio F. Vazquez, is a partner in the law firm of Franczek Radelet & Rose P.C. The Franczek firm represents the Board in many legal matters.
According to the Franczek website, the firm:
Franczek Radelet & Rose P.C. concentrates on representing management, both private and public, in all aspects of labor and employment law, as well as offering unsurpassed depth in education law.
So in reality our “Independent Hearing Officer” is far from independent. Here is his resume from Franczek website.
Respicio F. Vazquez (Partner) born Chicago, Illinois, August 19, 1960; admitted to bar, 1986, Illinois. Education: DePaul University (B.S.C., Business Administration, 1982; J.D., 1985). General Counsel, Illinois State Board of Education, 2000-2004. State Superintendent of Education, Illinois, 2002. Former General Counsel and Former First Assistant General Counsel, City Colleges of Chicago. Fomer Assistant Attorney, Chicago Board of Education. Special Assistant Attorney General and Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Illinois Attorney General . Member: Illinois State Bar Association. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Education; Government. Email: Respicio F. Vazquez
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Peabody Elementary School Closing Hearing
Hearing Officer Respicio Vazquez announced that the hearing report would be issued some time before the Feb. 25 Board Meeting. A court reporter was present to transcribe testimony. James Dispensa gave the underutilization figures which the Board uses to justify closing the school. Peabody is listed at 35% and neighboring Lozano at 31%, Talcott at 44%. Of the currently enrolled 265 students at Peabody, 77 or 29% are students whose parents live outside of the neighborhood and bring them to school every day.
Alderman Walter Burnett, 27nd Ward was the first speaker. He stated that in his ward 3 schools were affected this year: Peabody, Carpenter, Shiller. He stated that he was “not in full support of the closings, for now. Maybe after further discussion.......” would he then be in full suport, after his “concerns” are answered. He mentioned that he understood that students from 1st through 4th grade would still attend Peabody. [Staff testifying later said that he was talking about the Noble Street affiliate, Northwestern Settlement Grammar School, which is located next door to Peabody and has been hoping to acquire Peabody's building.]
One African-American parent testified that as a CPS student, she had been in many overcrowded classrooms, and that Peabody was her school of choice precisely because her daughter was taught in a small school with manageable class sizes. Multiple parents spoke whose families had been part of Peabody for 2 and 3 generations. They cited the family atmosphere, safety of the school, wonderful location. One mom (30 year association with Peabody) said she had been forced out of the neighborhood but drove her kids 1 ½ hrs each day to Peabody.
The principal testified that their school was one of 8 which had just been removed from the NCLB list of “improvement status” which contained 324 Illinois schools. This is in part because the school met AYP the last two school years and ISAT scores had risen the last 5 years, and 7 out of the last 8 yrs. The school on Nov 25, 2008, received a congratulatory letter for their achievements from Illinois State Supt. Of Education Chris Koch.
Marilyn Stewart spoke, called out the School Board members & Rufus W—all absent. Said she heard that the school would be sold to Noble Street. She vowed to meet with Huberman and Daley. Promised that “we will be out here every month to protest what you're doing...” Mark Ochoa and field rep Gregg Cox were also present.
Teachers gave great presentations on research related to small school success: positive learning environment, greater student security and achievement, etc. Mentioned how charter school concept is actually based on research pointing to positives of small school communities. Peabody is now housed in 2 buildings and could be consolidated into 1 building which would then be fully utilized. An UC study was cited that students who were forced to change schools 3 times fell 1 full academic year behind. Some of the Peabody students were displaced from Anderson, and will be displaced again.
Multiple parents spoke whose families had been part of Peabody for 2 and 3 generations. They cited the family atmosphere, safety of the school, wonderful location. One mom (30 year association with Peabody) said she had been forced out of the neighborhood but drove her kids 1 ½ hrs each day to Peabody.
I spoke and identified myself as CORE.
I counted about 90 people towards end of hearing.
The Peabody presentation was impressive. I realized that it doesn't matter how many wonderful teachers you have, how many great programs, what your level of commitment is, how invested the parents are. No matter what are the great things a school has got going on, if the Board wants to shut you down and turn you over to someone else—such as Nobel Street's elementary affiliate—that's what they're going to do. Or try to do.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Carpenter Elementary School Closing Hearing
This hearing began at 8:00 p.m. 104 people were there at the beginning; Carpenter had rented a bus, asking families for $5 each to pay for it. James Dispensa gave his underutilization figures:
Carpenter is allegedly at 23%, nearby Otis at 42%. Students will mostly be sent to Otis. Today Carpenter houses the 6th-8th grades of Ogden School, and Dispensa stated that the combined utilization rate with both schools is ”under 50%”.
Marilyn spoke again, bragged about how she'd been there “all night”. Repeated that “this is a movement.” Told Carpenter, “You have to combine with other schools and get bigger and bigger.” Marilyn and Mark Ochoa were there; not sure when they left. I also saw Peter Ardito.
The beginning of the hearing was parent participation: parents said that the Otis School, where the students will be sent, is not up to the standards of Carpenter—it has lower test scores, it is in a 100-year-plus building, lunch is served in the gym. One mother/leader said the Board was putting their kids in danger making them travel to the other school. She called them out on the supposed “phase-out” of Carpenter and said, “Look at Anderson! They said it'd take 7 years! It took 2 years!” Then she shouted, “You don't understand! CARPENTER BELONGS TO THE COMMUNITY AND NOBODY ELSE!”
One-third of Carpenter is special education—hard of hearing program, TMH, Visually impaired, Emotional disorders, Learning disabilities, one other. Recently passed an ISBE special ed audit. 96% free and reduced lunch. One mom talked about how her hard of hearing son had made such great progress. ”He's been through so much and he's made such great progress. All they think about is money instead of the kids and their education.” Another mom talked about how her kid has just exited the LD program in 7th grade thanks to the dedication of the staff.
Another mom said, “We pay taxes! We have many years in the community. You don't have to move us out of it!” Many parents commented on how they pay taxes, how high rent is, and how they want to keep their school. Said: “many new condos have been built here. Other people can come, but we want the school for our kids.” A Latino father: “I'm part of this community for many years. I want my children to be a professional like you. Don't phase out, phase in.” A mother: “Now that our neighborhood is improving, now they want to move us out.” Another mom, “Do you do this because we are low income? You say we'll be phased out now but you'll close us down soon because you'll say our enrollment is down.”
Principal spoke. She attacked Dispensa's “utilization” figures. Said it is not 30-1 in a school where 1/3 of the population is special ed. The figures are antiquated and must be gotten rid of. One presenter was a university Prof who sits as Community Rep on LSC. She also attacked the utilization formula, saying by law the figures should be 10 or 15 students/room. “CPS is closing the very type of school that they should be encouraging.” Teachers talked about arts programs and partnerships: Joffrey, CSO, Lyric Opera, musicals, plays, Oppenheimer Grants, Drive awards, school garden program, etc etc etc etc. They mentioned the wonderful special ed program and costly building modifications for the hearing impaired students.
John Kugler spoke as part of an (unnamed) group. He said that his group was not in favor of a moratorium, they want to stop these closings! Huge applause.
I spoke for CORE. Total of 62 speakers.