I think the framework for regular review of the school network is critical. Even if we get a one time win for consolidation, it doesn’t mean that’s the right long term school network. A big policy fight every ten years takes a ton of political capital. Every year we should be looking at which schools have low and shrinking enrollment, which schools have high and growing enrollment, and then have pre-defined triggers for school closures or openings. The last point is key. Even if closures are more important in the near term, we need to use language of eventual growth, not just managed decline.
Cannot do this every year. Schools change, so a three year basis for the average funding so growing schools will have to stretch and schools losing enrollment will be over funded but prepare for the next year results. Did this at a university and it was effective. Loss is always hard. Gain is, too.
Has our school-age demographic dropped as precipitously as these enrollment numbers imply, or are parents doing whatever it takes to educate their children (parochial, private, homeschool, live with grandma in Oak Park) and keep them out the CPS indoctrination camps? Likely both, yes?
School consolidation will not occur in Chicago as long as Brandon Johnson is mayor. School consolidation will result in the need for fewer teachers and support staff. The Chicago Teachers' Union will not let this happen no matter how necessary this move is.
Double up the classroom sizes, layoff excess teachers and staff or close schools and combine others. You could also offer empty classrooms to trade schools, colleges or alternative schools.
Chicago Schools overall have been mismanaged starting with the Superintendent CEO'S office and the mayor's office. Decisions have to be made to close and merge schools that have underenrollment. To keep schools open with under 100 students is a waste of money and resources not provided for students. Also the closed buildings should be sold for business purposes to those who have the dollars to renovate and use the buildings in a proper manner.
Related, it's sure is interesting that Preckwinkle has endorsed Biggs and not CTU (Brandon)'s candidate Dominguez for CPS school board president.
And it looks like all the mayoral candidates, besides Brandon, are avoiding endorsements for CPS school board president? And I believe, only Giannoulias has stated he's open to school consolidation or closure?.....with very little converge by press.
I think the framework for regular review of the school network is critical. Even if we get a one time win for consolidation, it doesn’t mean that’s the right long term school network. A big policy fight every ten years takes a ton of political capital. Every year we should be looking at which schools have low and shrinking enrollment, which schools have high and growing enrollment, and then have pre-defined triggers for school closures or openings. The last point is key. Even if closures are more important in the near term, we need to use language of eventual growth, not just managed decline.
Cannot do this every year. Schools change, so a three year basis for the average funding so growing schools will have to stretch and schools losing enrollment will be over funded but prepare for the next year results. Did this at a university and it was effective. Loss is always hard. Gain is, too.
Fair point. Annual is probably too frequent. I think the important point is a regular consistent review rather than a series of one off big fights.
Has our school-age demographic dropped as precipitously as these enrollment numbers imply, or are parents doing whatever it takes to educate their children (parochial, private, homeschool, live with grandma in Oak Park) and keep them out the CPS indoctrination camps? Likely both, yes?
School consolidation will not occur in Chicago as long as Brandon Johnson is mayor. School consolidation will result in the need for fewer teachers and support staff. The Chicago Teachers' Union will not let this happen no matter how necessary this move is.
Double up the classroom sizes, layoff excess teachers and staff or close schools and combine others. You could also offer empty classrooms to trade schools, colleges or alternative schools.
Please be sure to list preferred candidate or those supported by CTU so we cannot vote for them. Electorate needs information
Chicago Schools overall have been mismanaged starting with the Superintendent CEO'S office and the mayor's office. Decisions have to be made to close and merge schools that have underenrollment. To keep schools open with under 100 students is a waste of money and resources not provided for students. Also the closed buildings should be sold for business purposes to those who have the dollars to renovate and use the buildings in a proper manner.
Related, it's sure is interesting that Preckwinkle has endorsed Biggs and not CTU (Brandon)'s candidate Dominguez for CPS school board president.
And it looks like all the mayoral candidates, besides Brandon, are avoiding endorsements for CPS school board president? And I believe, only Giannoulias has stated he's open to school consolidation or closure?.....with very little converge by press.