Because of low turnout, Chicago Public Schools has extended its local school council application deadline to March 24, the first extension since 2004.
“It’s important that we have parents and community members deeply involved in our schools,” said CPS Chief Executive Officer Arne Duncan. “By extending the deadline we hope to increase the number of candidates.”
According to Jose Alvarez, CPS executive director of LSC relations, there are approximately 6,000 candidates for 6,000 local school council positions. That number is virtually the same as 2004 and 2006, the last two LSC election years.
“In some schools you may have 30 candidates where there are 10 seats open. And in others, you may have 4 candidates for 11 seats open,” he said. He added there are approximately 25 schools with fewer LSC candidates than LSC seats. LSCs approve school budgets, approve school improvement plans and hire principals.
“If you were to poll parents, I don’t think that many of them would really know or be able to tell you what it meant to be on the LSC,” Alvarez said. “You have individuals who voice their concerns by marching and protesting at board meetings because some do not know there’s a better way to do it.” LSC nomination forms must be submitted to the CPS central office at 125 S. Clark St. by 3 p.m. March 24.
______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
