Regarding the article “CPS on ‘financial brink,’ Civic Federation report says” (Jan. 14): As a fellow Chicago citizen, taxpayer and former educator, I offer my best wishes on their upcoming journey in leadership as elected members of the Chicago Board of Education take their seats for the first time. In the wake of the searing Civic Federation report, here’s a couple of ideas on cutting a path to financial solvency for the system.
Given that “163 buildings — or 34% of all CPS schools — are less than half full,” it seems more than clear that a path must be found to consolidating the enrollments in these underutilized schools. In their positions of leadership, school board members should set initial targets as they go about the task of making the decisions as to which schools, in collaboration with immediate families and communities, would be impacted. Is it too much to ask that 80% or better of all school facilities have an enrollment of no less than 80% of capacity? Sure, space is needed for potential growth, but operating at less than 80% capacity isn’t economical from a facilities management perspective or from an educational perspective.
I’ve seen firsthand how education suffers in schools with underenrollment at all levels. Chicago Public Schools leadership should be about creating an educational environment with the highest probability of education outcome success.
The Tribune article states: “Though the number of students has dropped, the (Civic Federation) report noted, the district ‘significantly increased’ staffing … while flush with federal COVID relief money.” The union argued that this spending “proved successful at boosting student outcomes.” To be clear, consolidating schools would decrease staffing requirements. It also would mean that existing staffing levels that have been increased and proved successful could be retained by distributing staff members across a reduced number of schools, and CPS could ensure educational improvements are retained at existing levels of expense, the net being increased staffing at schools at the same current cost.
Despite the Chicago Teachers Union’s understandable self-interest to negotiate for even greater staffing increases, leadership and commitment to the overall health and prosperity of CPS schools demand staffing levels that are commensurate with proven outcomes and actual staffing level needs.
— Mary Friedlieb, Chicago
Stacy Davis Gates’ point
I think the op-ed by Zena Naiditch regarding the comment made by Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates (“Stacy Davis Gates’ comments reinforce harmful prejudices about students with disabilities,” Jan. 14) misses the point that Davis Gates was trying to make.
Davis Gates was not using a child with a disability as a punchline but rather was referring to the procedure used to provide that child with help, i.e., she was referring to the procedure, not the child.
— Joseph Matula, retired Illinois suburban school superintendent, Palos Park
Madigan’s testimony
Reading about Michael Madigan’s testimony reminded me of the scene in “Casablanca” in which Capt. Louis Renault (Claude Rains) states: “I’m shocked! Shocked to find out gambling is going on here.” Then a croupier says to him, “Your winnings, sir,” to which the captain says (quietly), “Oh, thank you very much.”
— David Buckley, Brookfield
Vote early and often
Voting has opened on the advisory question to redesign the Illinois flag. Illinoisans — or anyone with the link — can vote for one design per day until voting closes on Feb. 14. Or, more specifically, each internet protocol address can vote once per day. So, if you own a smartphone and a computer, you can vote twice per day. If you have access to more devices, you have access to more votes! If you don’t have access to any devices, well, it’s only an advisory vote, right?
Whichever design wins, I think every Illinoisan can get behind this celebration of democracy. Vote early and often — it’s the Chicago way!
— Kevin Ryan, Chicago
Suggested flag design
Mark Harris’ essay in the Jan. 15 Tribune on the possibility of a new flag for Illinois inspires me to propose a late entry to the competition (“Oh, say, what will we see on the new Illinois state flag?”).
I’m no graphic designer, but just imagine: In line with Tribune’s recent series on corruption in the state, picture an outstretched hand, with a dollar sign floating above it.
Simple and appropriate.
— Bruce Cowhig, Kankakee
Symbol for entire state
Regarding the opinion piece by Mark Harris about the new Illinois state flag, the headline says it all: What will we see? In my opinion, the proposed designs are bland, dark and dreary. In other words, there is no “wow” factor. I also find them too hard to understand without an explanation.
Also, as Harris writes, it is difficult to represent the entire state on a single flag. For example, at least one highlights Lake Michigan. This is not a Chicago flag but a state flag, and it should represent the entire state, as our current flag does.
I like our flag, and to replace it is a waste of money that the state does not have. I would suggest state leaders cancel the vote and just give some sort of a plaque to the artists to thank them for their efforts.
I do have a question, though, about the voting: Why should a person be allowed to vote more than one time? Oh, I forgot, this is Illinois.
— Mario Caruso, Chicago
Why waste the money?
The cost of time and money for a new Illinois state flag has been mentioned, but I don’t recall reading what is to be done with the current flags when they are replaced. Is someone going to make quilts out of the current flags? Or maybe outfits for a new entry in a Fourth of July parade?
In addition to the flags, does anything else, such as state stationery, have the current emblem? If so, will that be scrapped or repurposed? If scrapped, the new flag could have the motto “Hooray for Garbage.” If repurposed, I suggest using stationery as wallpaper for state and city offices. Then when someone has a bright idea, he, she or they could just turn around and write on the wall. Just don’t write: “We need a new flag.”
It’s not too late to change course. If someone is determined to spend money, spend it on bollards, body cameras for the police, swimming lessons for students, or ShotSpotter or its equivalent.
How about this? Donate the money to the Southern California fire disaster funds. Isn’t that more important than a new state flag?
— Judith Migala, Elmhurst
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.