I’m sorry to say, but there have been some people who have “moved on” from the school closings just like BBB wants. Even I’ve focused more on the assault on our budgets recently with the toilet paper drive and such. The people who have not forgotten are the parents, teachers, and students at the closings schools. 28 of the closing schools were on Track E, which is a very large number considering this schedule isn’t used by that much of CPS. For those schools, today was their last day in existence….or so Rahm thought.
This afternoon at Lafayette Elementary School, there was a sit in after school let out by parents and students who wanted to get their voices heard. They deserve a better fate. Lafayette was an amazing school with a large special needs population and an phenomenal string ensemble. I believe this video is Mr. Emanuel’s opus:
CPS School Closings: Protesting Family Leaves LaFayette Elementary
“We argued for months,” Karlin said. “We gave all the very valid reasons why this shouldn’t happen, and they’re doing it anyway. There’s nothing left to do but pack up and go.”:
Sullivan High Hit with $748K Budget Cut, Gale Academy Budget Slashed $448K
“A retired Chicago Public Schools administrator serving as interim principal at Sullivan High School said the millions cut from school budgets next year “will make school closings look like a walk in the park.”
Chicago Parents Hold Toilet Paper Drive for 2013 School Year
“So we got socked,” says CPS parent Jennie Biggs. “Losing money and now we also, my principal also has to pick up supplies, so there’s a real chance he’s going to have to pick between teachers and toilet paper.”
“He grabbed me by the arm and wouldn’t let go while his bodyguards approached me,” Hastings said. “And clearly trying to intimidate me with a threat of physical violence.”
The TIF Wash–Et Tu Bright One?
“In effect, a TIF is a tax hike where the mayor raises property taxes in the name of something you presumably want—like schools or parks—so he can spend it on something you don’t need. Like a basketball arena for DePaul University, to cite one recent example.”
