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CPS Issues Draft Guidelines For Community Feedback On School Closures

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 1, 2012 9:08PM

2012_6_2_cps.gif Battle lines are being drawn between Chicago Public Schools officials and teachers over school closings. CPS released draft guidelines Wednesday to so that parents what criteria the system is using to determine future school closures or consolidations.

New CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said in a statement:

These guidelines represent the beginning of a conversation we need to have with the community, not an end, so no steps will be taken until we have rebuilt trust with the community by engaging them in an inclusive, open and transparent manner. They deserve to be real partners in the tough decisions that need to be made about how we can better invest in our children and their future, and if I don't have the confidence that this can be done right by Dec. 1, then we won't be moving forward with recommendations at that time.

You can view the guidelines here.

During the September teachers strike, the Tribune cited sources as saying up to 120 schools were being considered for closure. Byrd-Bennett told the Tribune that convincing the public the school system has their best interests in mind is a hard row to hoe. “This district has no credibility in the community,” she said. “They do believe there’s a secret plan in the bottom desk drawer.”

Shortly after CPS' announcement, the Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates voted unanimously in favor of a moratorium on school closings, consolidations and turnarounds for the school year. CTU President Karen Lewis said in a statement:

“CPS’ school actions appear to be an arbitrary real estate plan and not a school improvement plan that will benefit our students. We have heard the District plans to open 60 new charter operations and it has to get the buildings from somewhere. School closings have a significant negative impact on student learning. These closings destabilize neighborhoods and lead to the layoffs and firing of experienced educators.

CPS officials said half of the system’s schools are underused, with more than 140 half empty. Byrd-Bennett can recommend a school closure or consolidation only if students from an affected school have an option to enroll in a better performing one, under the guidelines.

As of post time, teachers, parents, students and community leaders are holding a rally and press conference at City Hall to call an end to school closings and charter school expansion.