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Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Paul Vallas: The real reason Chicago high schoolers are missing so much school — and what to do about it
Public schools are in crisis — not just in Chicago but also in Illinois and across the nation. Chicago Public Schools data obtained by WBEZ-FM 91.5 and Chalkbeat reveals a disturbing number of days missed by CPS students, adding to mounting evidence of systemic failure. Blaming this trend on more lenient makeup policies and an easier path to graduation sanitizes the deeper truth: Schools have been systematically abandoning standards and accountability and returning to a culture of social promotion. One might have expected that after COVID-19, school districts such as CPS would restore accountability systems. But that hasn't happened — not for students, teachers or schools. The accountability pause, brought on by the prolonged, union-driven shutdowns of school campuses, has become a permanent feature. It's now also reflected in widespread teacher absenteeism and inaction around failing schools. In CPS, more than 40% of teachers were absent from their classrooms for 10 or more days during the 2023-24 school year, the Tribune Editorial Board noted last year. This threshold marks what experts define as 'chronic absenteeism' among educators. Pre-COVID-19, that rate hovered around 31%. Meanwhile, CPS has not closed or consolidated even the most underenrolled or underperforming schools, nor has it reconstituted any failing ones. Rather than raise standards, Illinois education officials recently proposed lowering the proficiency thresholds on state standardized tests. They argue current benchmarks are too high and fail to reflect true college and career readiness. 'Our system unfairly mislabels students as 'not proficient' when other data — such as success in advanced coursework and enrollment in college — tell a very different story,' state schools Superintendent Tony Sanders said. But this is just the latest maneuver in a broader state strategy to address abysmal academic outcomes by redefining success downward. Teachers unions and their allies oppose accountability. Their strategy is simple: Failure is easier to hide when the definition of success is diluted. This has disastrous consequences, particularly for low-income families. CPS' dismantling of its magnet school system is also part of this effort — designed to erase high-performing outliers and obscure disparities. The Chicago Teachers Union has long opposed standardized testing. Under the now-abandoned School Quality Rating Policy, CPS once evaluated schools based on test scores. That's gone — replaced by a system that decouples school ratings from academic outcomes. The district has also weakened teaching standards. In 2023, 86.3% of CPS teachers were rated 'excellent' or 'proficient'; in 2024, it was 93.4%, according to Illinois Report Card data. Families are responding by leaving. Between 2010 and 2021, Illinois lost more than 250,000 students — the second-highest decline in the country, after California, the right-leaning think tank Wirepoints reported last year. The erosion of standards, the lack of school choice and CPS' extended COVID-19 shutdown have all contributed to this exodus. To make matters worse, the state has taken steps to eliminate competition. It failed to renew the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program. Meanwhile, the CTU's campaign to dismantle public alternatives such as charter and magnet schools is gaining ground. The abolition of the Illinois State Charter School Commission has allowed the CTU to pressure CPS into capping charter school numbers and enrollment. What's the recourse? There is no substitute for raising standards — for students, teachers and schools. Assessments should certainly go beyond test scores and include other indicators of success, but alternative evidence must complement, not excuse, failure. In my leadership roles across three of the nation's largest school districts, I saw firsthand how embracing high standards — combined with expanding instructional time — dramatically improved test scores, graduation rates and attendance. We must also empower local communities, through elected Local School Councils and principals, to control budgets and drive school-level reform. That includes the freedom to adopt better school models — whether traditional or private — and to consolidate underenrolled programs to expand opportunities. Parents, too, must have the right to choose the best school for their children — public, charter or private. Finally, high schools need to evolve into career-connected learning centers. Whether college-bound or not, every student should participate in universal work-study programs. These initiatives build financial literacy, expose students to real-world environments and connect them with professionals serve as role models. Paid internships would serve as many students' first jobs — helping them gain confidence and a sense of purpose. Just as early college programs substitute for some high school coursework, work-study opportunities should replace low-value electives. The cost savings from offering fewer electives could fund student salaries in work placements. As a bonus, this would place students in safe, structured environments surrounded by adults committed to success.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eric Washington to become principal of Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills
Associate Principal Eric Washington will become the next principal of Hillside High School in Country Club Hills, Bremen High School District 228 announced Wednesday. Washington, who has worked within District 228 for 11 years, said Friday that he is excited for the opportunity to better engage parents as part of the Hillside community. The district, which serves about 5,000 students in Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest, falls behind state learning standards for English/language arts, math and science. In 2024, about 19% of District 228 students were assessed as proficient in English/language arts, compared to 39% of students across the state, according to Illinois Report Card data. In math, 16% of district students were proficient compared to 28% of students statewide and 41% of district students were proficient in science compared to 53% statewide. 'I think it's about getting parents involved,' Washington said about his goals to improve student outcomes. 'I want them to have some skin in the game too, so to speak, because that's the only way any school is going to be successful, if it's a collaboration between the school and the home.' Washington was athletic director at Bremen High School in Midlothian for eight years before becoming associate principal at Hillcrest. He said he aspired for more direct interaction with students, which has allowed him to make a positive impact as associate principal. 'We put some systems in place over here at Hillcrest that are really student centered and are looking to build on student success and climate and culture,' Washington said. 'I think we're on a good path. We've done some really good things around here, but we're not satisfied.' Hillcrest Principal Ron Towner was promoted to assistant superintendent for personnel and student services in anticipation of Assistant Superintendent Dan Goggins' retirement. As associate principal, Washington's salary was $130,000, or close to $176,000 including benefits, according to the district's 2024 compensation report. As principal, Towner made about $173,000, or more than $223,000 with benefits. Washington's salary as principal, beginning July 1, will be $152,000, the district said Friday. Washington grew up on Chicago's South Side and said he developed a passion for education watching his mom work as a principal and his dad as an assistant principal. 'I've always kind of watched them from afar and saw how they treated kids and how much they cared about their students and how much they were loved by their students,' Washington said. 'I admired that in them, and it made me want to do the same thing.' Washington said once he entered education himself, he admired Bremen District 228 from afar and was excited to work with students in the southwest suburbs. 'I want to make this place the gem of the community,' Washington said. 'I want this school to be number one. I think we've got some great teachers in this building that really care about kids and will go that extra mile. And we have a really great administrative team where we're all on the same page, pulling on the same rope.' 'So there's a lot of adults in this building that care about student success and climate and culture, and that's what I'm looking most forward to — seeing what other great things we can do … to ensure the success of our students,' Washington said. ostevens@
Chicago Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Eric Washington to become principal of Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills
Associate Principal Eric Washington will become the next principal of Hillside High School in Country Club Hills, Bremen High School District 228 announced Wednesday. Washington, who has worked within District 228 for 11 years, said Friday that he is excited for the opportunity to better engage parents as part of the Hillside community. The district, which serves about 5,000 students in Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest, falls behind state learning standards for English/language arts, math and science. In 2024, about 19% of District 228 students were assessed as proficient in English/language arts, compared to 39% of students across the state, according to Illinois Report Card data. In math, 16% of district students were proficient compared to 28% of students statewide and 41% of district students were proficient in science compared to 53% statewide. 'I think it's about getting parents involved,' Washington said about his goals to improve student outcomes. 'I want them to have some skin in the game too, so to speak, because that's the only way any school is going to be successful, if it's a collaboration between the school and the home.' Washington was athletic director at Bremen High School in Midlothian for eight years before becoming associate principal at Hillcrest. He said he aspired for more direct interaction with students, which has allowed him to make a positive impact as associate principal. 'We put some systems in place over here at Hillcrest that are really student centered and are looking to build on student success and climate and culture,' Washington said. 'I think we're on a good path. We've done some really good things around here, but we're not satisfied.' Hillcrest Principal Ron Towner was promoted to assistant superintendent for personnel and student services in anticipation of Assistant Superintendent Dan Goggins' retirement. As associate principal, Washington's salary was $130,000, or close to $176,000 including benefits, according to the district's 2024 compensation report. As principal, Towner made about $173,000, or more than $223,000 with benefits. Washington's salary as principal, beginning July 1, will be $152,000, the district said Friday. Washington grew up on Chicago's South Side and said he developed a passion for education watching his mom work as a principal and his dad as an assistant principal. 'I've always kind of watched them from afar and saw how they treated kids and how much they cared about their students and how much they were loved by their students,' Washington said. 'I admired that in them, and it made me want to do the same thing.' Washington said once he entered education himself, he admired Bremen District 228 from afar and was excited to work with students in the southwest suburbs. 'I want to make this place the gem of the community,' Washington said. 'I want this school to be number one. I think we've got some great teachers in this building that really care about kids and will go that extra mile. And we have a really great administrative team where we're all on the same page, pulling on the same rope.' 'So there's a lot of adults in this building that care about student success and climate and culture, and that's what I'm looking most forward to — seeing what other great things we can do … to ensure the success of our students,' Washington said.
Chicago Tribune
28-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Work ready to begin on expansion of Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin
School District U-46 officials broke ground this week on an addition that will expand the size of Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin. 'As a former Kenyon Woods mom, it's an honor to be here,' School Board President Melissa Owens said at the Wednesday event for the building project, one of several being launched by the Elgin-based school district. The 46,000-square-foot expansion is expected to cost about $30 million and, when complete, will allow the school to hold up to 1,100 students in grades 6 through 8. Currently the building has an enrollment of 749 seventh- and eighth-graders, according to the most recent Illinois Report Card. As the district makes the transition to housing all sixth-grade classes in its middle schools starting in the 2026-27 academic year, it's implementing an ambitious plan to close some schools, expand/renovate others and build new ones. Owens said the new addition's design also will reflect a change in how they approach education by teaming students in groups of 100 to 150. Those teams will learn together from a core group of teachers. Ann Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, said site work on the Kenyon Woods project will begin next week, when students are out on spring break, but major construction will not begin until summer. The addition is scheduled to be ready for the 2026-27 school year. A $25 million, 53,000-square-foot addition to Kimball Middle School in Elgin will start construction following a groundbreaking ceremony set for 4 p.m. Monday, April 7. When ready for the 2026-27 school year, it also will be able to house up to 1,100 students. A third groundbreaking will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, for a new 193,000-square-foot, $110 million middle school at 2604 Rohrssen Road, Elgin. It too will hold up 1,100 students when ready to be occupied in the 2027-28 school year. Hawk Hollow Middle School in Bartlett, formerly known as Hawk Hollow Elementary, is undergoing $53 million in expansion and renovation work and will be available for seventh-graders this August. When work is complete, the 150,000-square-foot building will house 750 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in the 2026-27 school year. Kenyon Woods principal Lisa Olsem is moving to Hawk Hollow Middle to become its principal, U-46 officials said. Rebecca Gabrenya, currently principal at Marquardt Middle School in Glendale Heights, will take over the helm at Kenyon Woods at the start of the 2025-26 school year, according to the school's webpage. The Hawk Hollow project is being funded with money from the school district's reserve fund. The three other middle school projects will be funded with money from a $180 million bond sale approved by voters in April 2023. Another $200 million in reserve and operating funds, along with grant funding, will help pay for the three middle school projects and others, including planned construction of a new elementary school on the former David C. Cook property on Elgin's east side. At the Kenyon Woods groundbreaking Wednesday, Superintendent Suzanne Johnson once again thanked voters for approving the referendum and those who took part in listening sessions that helped shape the district's plans and priorities.
Chicago Tribune
17-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Bluff District 65 school board candidates discuss district's future at forum
With the April 1 municipal election approaching, most of the Lake Bluff School District 65 board candidates answered some questions at a recent forum regarding the district's future. The March 9 session was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff. Five candidates are vying for the four, four-year terms that expire this year on the seven-member board. Incumbents Lauren Hirsh, Tim Penich, and Carrie Steinbach appeared on the panel with Andrew Carlson, who is seeking to join the school board. The fifth candidate, Kimberly Bourne Saccaro, was absent as she was called away unexpectedly, according to League President Carol Russ. The session took a little over an hour with the candidates taking questions from the audience on subjects pertaining to the two-school district. With the Lake Bluff Elementary School receiving an exemplary designation in last year's Illinois Report Card and Lake Bluff Middle School getting a commendable grade, candidates took on the subject of ensuring the highest quality learning environment inside District 65. 'We have high expectations for quality education in this community,' Penich said. 'While we do have high-performing schools, I feel there is still growth to be done.' He added it was important to support the work of the administration and the teachers, but the school board needs to monitor the progress. Steinbach stated the board has a financial responsibility the schools are in the 'top tier.' 'I believe we need equity, but we also need proficiency,' she said. 'It's our job to make changes if we see our children are failing or falling between the cracks.' Regarding taxes, all four candidates did not believe a property tax hike was necessary at this time. (District 65 represents roughly 40 % of the overall Lake Bluff property tax bill, according to Director of Finance and Operations Jay Kahn.) While federal funds only represent about 1.5 % of the overall school district revenues, the candidates cautioned the district may have to look to grants or other sources of income if the federal money is removed given the uncertain future of the U.S. Department of Education. The candidates were also asked about the keys to teacher recruitment and retention. Carlson said a key to teacher retention is fostering an environment of respect. 'Letting teachers know they do have a certain degree of autonomy in their classrooms,' he said. 'Allowing teachers to use that creativity that they have learned throughout their years of education themselves to really promote individuality.' Hirsh said the teacher's voice is very important. 'We want teachers who want to be in our classrooms,' she said. 'If you have a teacher who loves what they are doing it is obvious and the kids recognize it.' The candidates all spoke about the possible use of artificial intelligence (AI) at the schools. 'AI is amazing but there is a lot to learn about it,' Hirsh said. 'I am sure teachers will use it but we need to make sure it is something that we are fully aware of the range of it before we put it in front of the kids.' Penich said the administration would have to take the first look and the board would rely on their recommendations. 'I think it would be important to learn and listen to the administration to see if they feel a policy regarding AI usage would be useful either now or in the future that could guide what is in our classrooms and what teachers are able to do,' he said. Steinbach said she uses AI at home with her children. She added some teachers have found it to be useful in their daily planning. Yet she offered some caution. 'I, 100 % think that needs to be monitored,' Steinbach noted. 'It can be viewed as extremely helpful but it can be viewed as a very divisive thing in the classroom.' Carlson offered a similar sentiment. 'Like any technology, AI should be used to supplement our education, not replace it,' he said. 'It is not going to replace those in-person student/teacher relationships that I think is the foundation for the educational experience.' Incumbent Richard Driver, who was appointed to the school board last year to fill a vacancy on the board, is running unopposed to fill out the remaining two years of that term. He did not appear on the panel. Hirsh, Penich, Steinbach, and Driver are running with the endorsement of Vote Lake Bluff, the village's version of a caucus. Bourne Saccaro and Carlson started their candidacy after the Vote Lake Bluff Town Meeting late last year and thus would not be eligible for the organization's endorsement, according to the president Paul Blahunka.
