April 1, 2013
By Diann Woodard, President American Federation of School Administrators
Washington, DC – Closing schools should never be used as a quick fix solution to solve larger budget problems. Instead, we should be investing more resources into these schools to ensure that all children, across all backgrounds, ethnicities, and incomes, receive a high quality education.
Many of the 54 schools announced to close are in low-income areas where school is often the most stable and safe place in a child’s life. By closing these schools, the Mayor and CPS are shutting the door on a support system that many of these students rely on daily, undoubtedly putting them in danger. With no school nearby to attend, some may not reenroll at all. This is why we are seeing an outpouring of emotion and frankly, anger, in response to the announcement. It is unfair and unjust to the children, parents and educators who are rightly expressing their disapproval.
AFSA and the Chicago Principals’ and Administrators Association, AFSA Local 2, stand with these communities, and will continue to oppose unjust schools closings.
