CHICAGO | Politics and Current Events

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

A lot of political commentators are full of —.

Which is precisely why any sensible person would ignore them.

If you think it's worthwhile to pay attention to people who are "full of —", then that's on you.

Originally Posted by the urban politician

I don’t go to CE any more

Wise choice.

As reminder, this thread is only for discussion of local Chicago political issues. We've never allowed the broader national political stupidity in here because it just then degrades into all of the stupid — insanity you see the in the CE toilet.

So keep your posts exclusively about Chicago, or expect them to get moved. Any post that starts with "the republicans always" or "the democrats always" or mentions Trump or Biden or any other national figure is as good as gone.

Keep it local. Keep it nuanced.

There are 8 billion other places on the interwebs to "discuss" national politics. And they're all hot garbage.

[Vlajos]

Lightfoot was always a bad candidate, however she ran against Prekwinkle in the runoff, who is much, much worse.

[the urban politician]

The problem for Lightfoot is that Springfield and the Governor are cutting her legs out from under her

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

So keep your posts exclusively about Chicago, or expect them to get moved. Any post that starts with "the republicans always" or "the democrats always" or mentions Trump or Biden or any other national figure is as good as gone.

Someone could say "the democrats/republicans always" and still be talking about local politics. I get your broader point, but it's a little heavy handed.

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by moorhosj1

Someone could say "the democrats/republicans always" and still be talking about local politics. I get your broader point, but it's a little heavy handed.

Without the heavy handedness, political discussion on the internet inevitably devolves into CE assholery.

That's why at SSP we have created a toilet to contain all of that —.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by moorhosj1

Except it is wrong because the entire premise of Vallas' column was incorrect. Specifically, there is no "state directive" that schools must stay open. This is a Lightfoot issue.

John Kass is not a reliable narrator, he wants to use this as a tool to privatize education. Meanwhile, Chicago has been a pioneer of school choice for years, where has that gotten us? An honest reporter would acknowledge that, but just like his takes on state finances and de-population in the city, when he is proven wrong he just pivots to another topic.

https://capitolfax.com/2022/01/06/durkin...cified-action-to-reopen-chicago-schools/

Are you kidding? What school choice does Chicago have? A few CPS run charters? That's hardly a choice. Give families vouchers for the $20k+ CPS spends per student and watch CPS implode as very few would actually choose to send their kids their. Of course the CTU and hence our pols will never allow that to happen.

This CTU walk out may be the thing that finally wakes up Chicago's parents to the gross power the union has over us. I have never seen so many parents livid with the teachers union in my time here.

[the urban politician]

^

Nope. Chicago voters are sheeple. Sorry if that offends.

There is no voting, and there are no choices in Chicago. There is only “dont let the door hit you on the way out” mockery for those who are skeptical of this whole corrupt arrangement.

You either comply or leave. I for one will — never put my kids through CPS. I value their education (and my piece of mind) too much. I look forward to having my kids on the bus tomorrow morning with absolutely zero fanfare. The suburbs have — built form and are autocentric as hell, I get all of that....but even the most smug urbanite can’t change the fact that we’re just waaay the hell better off out here right now in regards to public education.

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Are you kidding? What school choice does Chicago have? A few CPS run charters? That's hardly a choice. Give families vouchers for the $20k+ CPS spends per student and watch CPS implode as very few would actually choose to send their kids their. Of course the CTU and hence our pols will never allow that to happen.

This CTU walk out may be the thing that finally wakes up Chicago's parents to the gross power the union has over us. I have never seen so many parents livid with the teachers union in my time here.

There are magnet and gifted schools, the state created a reimbursement pool for parents who send kids to private school.

Can you share some examples where your plan has been tried? How has it actually worked? How are the existing pension obligations paid? Would CPS imploding kill the CTU or possibly make them more important? Where are all these other, non-CPS teachers going to appear from? What buildings will they use? And a bunch of real questions that parents would demand answers.

Nobody here is arguing that CPS is perfect or that the CTU is acting in good faith. That doesn’t automatically mean that we are better off without them.

[glowrock]

Originally Posted by moorhosj1

There are magnet and gifted schools, the state created a reimbursement pool for parents who send kids to private school.

Can you share some examples where your plan has been tried? How has it actually worked? How are the existing pension obligations paid? Would CPS imploding kill the CTU or possibly make them more important? Where are all these other, non-CPS teachers going to appear from? What buildings will they use? And a bunch of real questions that parents would demand answers.

Nobody here is arguing that CPS is perfect or that the CTU is acting in good faith. That doesn’t automatically mean that we are better off without them.

Agreed on all counts. Obviously there are huge issues with CTU and CPS in general, but the onus of students getting a great education still lies more on the student and their parents than the physical space they get their education in.

School choice and full privatization sound great, but all of your questions need to be answered. Especially the one about where the qualified teachers and staff are going to magically appear from!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Investing In Chicago]

Originally Posted by moorhosj1

There are magnet and gifted schools, the state created a reimbursement pool for parents who send kids to private school.

Can you share some examples where your plan has been tried? How has it actually worked? How are the existing pension obligations paid? Would CPS imploding kill the CTU or possibly make them more important? Where are all these other, non-CPS teachers going to appear from? What buildings will they use? And a bunch of real questions that parents would demand answers.

Nobody here is arguing that CPS is perfect or that the CTU is acting in good faith. That doesn’t automatically mean that we are better off without them.

The alternative to CPS isn't some other school organization within the city of Chicago for most, it's the suburbs and suburban school districts. CPS might be the worst run school district in the Country, and many parents don't want to send their kids through that goat rodeo. That was a major factor in my family leaving Chicago.

[Rizzo]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^
You either comply or leave. I for one will — never put my kids through CPS. I value their education (and my piece of mind) too much. I look forward to having my kids on the bus tomorrow morning with absolutely zero fanfare. The suburbs have — built form and are autocentric as hell, I get all of that....but even the most smug urbanite can’t change the fact that we’re just waaay the hell better off out here right now in regards to public education.

I don’t think there’s “smug” urbanites here. Chicago is lucky to have the suburbs it has compared to a lot of other places. The forum was a lot younger 15 years ago with many college aged contributors. Good schools and childcare were not yet a consideration.

[the urban politician]

Bottom line is, regardless of magnet schools, charter schools, etc. no discussion about improving the public school experience and education for children and parents can occur in earnest without acknowledging that the CTU at present and with its current leadership is acting like more of a self-interested deterrent or obstacle to these goals than a promoter.

They have really become unhinged over the last few years trying to flex their power and strut their stuff, showing everyone "who's boss". I feel that is the only conclusion one can draw when witnessing their behavior.

Springfield and the Governor are complicit in creating this monster. The voters in these one-party-rule districts get what they deserve, I guess....

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

The voters in these one-party-rule districts get what they deserve, I guess....

One of the parties has completely abandoned cities. I don't even have a second party option for most of my ballot. Is that somehow voters fault?

Edit: Clarifying that I mean state elections. I have not had a choice for state Senator or Representative since I can remember.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by moorhosj1

There are magnet and gifted schools, the state created a reimbursement pool for parents who send kids to private school.

Can you share some examples where your plan has been tried? How has it actually worked? How are the existing pension obligations paid? Would CPS imploding kill the CTU or possibly make them more important? Where are all these other, non-CPS teachers going to appear from? What buildings will they use? And a bunch of real questions that parents would demand answers.

Nobody here is arguing that CPS is perfect or that the CTU is acting in good faith. That doesn’t automatically mean that we are better off without them.

A CPS magnet schools is not school choice. It is a government run unionized shop just like non magnet CPS school. One isn't even guaranteed of getting in.

Killing CPS would eliminate the union, which is what is needed.

CPS teachers will be out of a job and need to find employment. Most will likely go work for private schools.

CPS has 500 or so school buildings that could be donated or sold to privately run schools.

Thanks for the reminder of the added benefit that we end pensions for CPS teachers going forward. With the $27K per pupil spending, funds could be set aside to fund the remaining pensions. Every day the future obligation will be less as no more money will accrue for CPS pensions.

Again, I have never seen so many parents so enfuriated with CTU in my time here. We have had kids in Chicago since 2005.

[Steely Dan]

It sounds like the CTU blinked.

In-person classes to resume Wednesday at all CPS schools!

[Steely Dan]

Remember folks, no national politics in this thread.

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Again, I have never seen so many parents so enfuriated with CTU in my time here. We have had kids in Chicago since 2005.

So, you don’t have any examples of this “strategy” being used?

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

It sounds like the CTU blinked.

In-person classes to resume Wednesday at all CPS schools!

Good to hear

But the problem is deeper, it's now ingrained in the CTU that they get to pull this — every semester, apparently with zero consequences

I wouldn't want those — educating my children, that's for sure

[glowrock]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

A CPS magnet schools is not school choice. It is a government run unionized shop just like non magnet CPS school. One isn't even guaranteed of getting in.

Killing CPS would eliminate the union, which is what is needed.

CPS teachers will be out of a job and need to find employment. Most will likely go work for private schools.

CPS has 500 or so school buildings that could be donated or sold to privately run schools.

Thanks for the reminder of the added benefit that we end pensions for CPS teachers going forward. With the $27K per pupil spending, funds could be set aside to fund the remaining pensions. Every day the future obligation will be less as no more money will accrue for CPS pensions.

Again, I have never seen so many parents so enfuriated with CTU in my time here. We have had kids in Chicago since 2005.

Are you in favor of private schools having to accept ALL applicants? If not, then you are automatically putting those students who have disabilities of any kind or have any learning issues whatsoever at an extreme disadvantage. Private schools by definition have acceptance guidelines, which, also by definition, the vast majority of public schools do not.

Originally Posted by the urban politician

Good to hear

But the problem is deeper, it's now ingrained in the CTU that they get to pull this — every semester, apparently with zero consequences

I wouldn't want those — educating my children, that's for sure

Don't equate the teachers themselves with CTU "leadership", tup. That makes no sense whatsoever.

Again, while I believe that CTU needs a complete overhaul of its leadership (and yes, the Mayor and Governor need to be deeply involved here), I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the bath water. There are thousands of capable, caring teachers within CPS, there's no reason to denigrate them while attacking CTU leadership.

Aaron (Glowrock)

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by glowrock

Don't equate the teachers themselves with CTU "leadership", tup. That makes no sense whatsoever.

Again, while I believe that CTU needs a complete overhaul of its leadership (and yes, the Mayor and Governor need to be deeply involved here), I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the bath water. There are thousands of capable, caring teachers within CPS, there's no reason to denigrate them while attacking CTU leadership.

Aaron (Glowrock)

^ Come on, that's a cop out.

Leadership reflects an electorate. You can blame politicians, or you can rightfully blame the people who put them in office.

Same with CTU leadership. Membership votes for their leaders. Leaders send these measures out for votes, and over and over again a large majority of their union votes in favor of their asinine measures. The union membership (made of up teachers) votes against in person learning. They vote to go on strike, etc. So I can't accept your line of reasoning.