Rob the Neighborhoods to Pay the Charters

A recent poll conducted by Hart Research Associates found that out of 1,000 parents surveyed, 61% are opposed to the closing of low-performing schools. The poll also found that over 3/4 of the respondents are against cutting resources for the classroom while increasing spending on charter schools. Further reading about the poll can be found here. 

All parents want quality schools in their neighborhoods. Their children should be able to walk to a quality school. They should be able to walk in and attend not have to test to get in. They should be able to attend the school and get a broad and rich curriculum without fear of being "counseled" out for lack of academic success.

This poll regarding money and charters comes on the heels of CPS closing over fifty neighborhood schools and slashing neighborhood school budgets by at least $68 million. The Sun-Times released this graphic the other day that compares charter school budget gains and neighborhood school budget losses. This is pretty clear.

Two new UNO charters get $4.9 and $4.5 million right off the bat. While long established neighborhood high schools Kelly and Curie lose $4 million each in the upcoming school year. CICS and Noble Street will each get an increase of over $3 million while Fenger, Phillips and Kelvyn Park, which have been continually starved over the years, all lose over $3 million.

In all, charters/contract schools received an increase of close to $78 million dollars according to Raise Your Hand Illinois. It seems CPS has pulled the old "rob Peter to pay Paul." This time however, they have robbed the neighborhoods to pay the charters.