Monday, January 23, 2006

Chicago Public Schools Face A $325 Million Deficit

The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Chicago Public Schools are facing a funding crisis again. Superintendent Arne Duncan is proposing larger classrooms, shorter kindergartens, and special ed cutbacks. Why do poor school districts suffer while those in upper income neighborhoods get all the goodies?! It is time for an equal distribution of school funding throughout America. We need more, not less, funding in Chicago's impoverished communities than in the wealthy neighborhoods because there are more challenges. Who will advocate for children?
"History will have to recall that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but the appalling silence and indifference of the good people. Our generation will have to repent not only for words and actions of the children of darkness, but also for the fears and apathy of the children of light."
                       --Martin Luther King, Jr.

1 comment:

Westy said...

I completely concur, Arloa. Tying school funding to property tax is not an equitable system.
Sadly, Illinois’ attempt at reform failed last summer. Let’s hope it’s an idea that is not abandoned.