Thread by @_KellyGarcia__

CPS Board of Education is expected to meet at 10:30am on the issue of #CopsOutCPS. Follow this thread for live updates throughout the meeting.

@CHIdocumenters #CHIdocumenters

The meeting will go LIVE on the BoE YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/ChiPubSch…

I'll post it as soon as its up. You can watch the 9:30am holiday waiver public hearing that just finished up.

If you haven't had a chance yet to read the agenda, here's the link: cpsboe.org/content/docume…

Some interesting things I noticed include a resolution to appoint members to Local School Councils (LSC) that have vacancies and a resolution to find alternative plans for safety.

Watch the livestream here:

Be sure to also follow the youth organizers rallying outside the Board of Ed during this meeting.

https://twitter.com/StuStrikeBack/status/1298644727617581056?s=19

The Board is currently honoring 4 CPS students who have been awarded with the DREAM fund scholarship.

The recipients are currently sharing their statements.

All members are present, btw.

Just heard from Chief Education Officer, Latanya Mcdade on remote learning. They reiterated support that will be provided to parents who will need help during this transition.

Now we're hearing from Chief Executive Officer, Janice Jackson, on reforms to the SRO program.

including but not limited to

- partnership w/ Lurie Children's hospital for more trauma-informed training
- SROs will be expected to have "excellent" disciplinary background

In regards to FY2021 budget, Jackson says that an increase of $125 million was made to the budget for more investments into our schools.

Remarks from CEO Jackson have concluded.

Now moving to public participation. Union representatives will go first.

2 min. per speaker.

First speaker is Maria Moreno from @CTULocal1

"In discussions with the Board yesterday, we learned that CPS still does not have safety plans for our [clerks]."

Next speaker is from the Chicago Charter Teachers' Union

"All but one charter school have agreed to not send their workers back into the building ... We need more oversight and CPS needs to negotiate in good faith"

Technical difficulties with the first couple public speakers

The next speaker is a parent advocate w/ @ILRaiseYourHand

After attending over 30 LSC meetings, the parent shares that "CPS has a need to invest in real restorative and transformative justice"

They also shared that the resolution presented is too vague.

The next public speaker is Executive Director at Epic Academy, a charter school on the Southeast side of Chicago.

They shared about the resources their school has been able to provide to their school community for remote learning.

The next public speaker is a CPS mom at Sauganash Elementary.

They're addressing overcrowded schools on the Northwest side and asks the Board to approve the budget so that they can get more funds.

The next speaker is a CPS alum who is also addressing overcrowded classrooms at Sauganash Elementary.

"Empty nesters are moving out and larger families are moving in .. I am concerned about having 664 students at a school w/ a capacity for 540 students."

The next public speaker is another CPS parent at Sauganash Elementary addressing the same issue.

"How can a teacher develop relationships with any student when they have over 40 students in the classroom?"

The next public speaker is an LSC parent rep at Sauganash Elementary.

"It's one of the most overcrowded schools in the city ... We need more capital expansion"

The next public speaker is a parent of 3 kids at Sauganash Elementary addressing the same issue of overcrowded classrooms.

"Please vote in favor of this capital expansion."

The next public speaker is another CPS parent at Sauganash Elementary.

"Kindergarten class sizes are nearing 40. The physical capacity has not grown with it."

The next public speaker shares that issues regarding remote learning could be solved if principals had a voice.

"Our lives are no more expendable than the teachers and should not be treated as such. Stop disrespecting me. Stop disrespecting us."

They're also sharing that several principals across CPS are making less than the staff members they supervise.

They share that teachers don't even want to take job opportunities as asst. principals because the pay isn't good.

"The hybrid model was a disaster, the rollout plan for remote learning was a disaster. Our principals need leadership" continues @TroyLaraviere.

The next public speaker is a CPS parent at Sauganash Elementary.

"16 of our 21 homerooms are overcrowded ... none of these are safe and productive spaces for our children."

The next public speaker is a teacher at Sauganash Elementary.

"At 123% capacity, we are using every available space including stairwells, storage rooms ... It pains me when there are 40 students in a classroom."

The next public speaker is an ESL teacher and parent at Sauganash Elementary.

"Not all students are able to participate ... the overcrowding should not hinder their growth."

The next public speaker is a CPS parent at Sauganash Elementary, teacher and alum.

"Storage rooms have been turned into general classrooms ... We also don't have a local library near the school which makes it more difficult."

The next public speaker is a CPS parent at Sauganash Elementary.

"The annual growth rate is between 4-6%."

She shares that her daughter who is a student at Sauganash has said that she can't focus in the overcrowded classrooms.

The next public speaker is an LSC rep at Sauganash Elementary.

"An expansion would bring us into compliance ... there's not enough room for safe distancing."

They share that tax-paying families are moving to the suburbs and that this expansion could bring more money.

The next public speaker is speaking on behalf of Illinois Charter Schools.

They share that they are ready and prepared for remote learning and that as a district we must unite to provide support for students.

The next public speaker is from the Illinois network of charter schools.

They're addressing charter schools on the South and West Sides of Chicago that are not currently part of the district's budget and don't get capital investments.

The next public speaker is CEO of a private charter school in Garfield Park.

"I've heard a false narrative that charter schools are rushing to put students and teachers back in the classroom ... Our students will receive 2 live 45-minute sessions every week per class"

The next public speaker is speaking in support of approving the budget which includes building a high school in Chinatown.

"CPS has found that students living in Chinatown have the longest commute travel time" which prevents students from participating in extracurriculars.

The next public speaker is the LSC chair at Kellogg addressing the new capital investments.

They're addressing the fact that the LSC was not consulted about the proposal for more capital investments.

The next public speaker starts off by saying that there is no distinction between CPS, the City of Chicago and Mayor Lightfoot. Politics are intertwined.

Regarding SROs, they share that "this is state-sanctioned violence against Black children."

The next public speaker is Kristin Brody, LSC chair at Goudy Elementary.

They urge the Board to terminate the SRO contract which affects students w/ disabilities and students of color.

"It is alarming that the number of students w/ IEPs getting referrals is on the rise."

The next public speaker is CPS parent Vanessa Lopez and she speaks in support of the English Learner gifted program at Orozo Academy in Pilsen which has allowed Latinx students to continue building on their bilingual skills.

The next public speaker is a CPS parent and alum at Orozco Academy.

"Today we have a half empty building and are facing declining enrollment ... It seems that there is more protection for the status quo than for our children's safety"

The next public speaker is a CPS parent at Kellogg Elementary.

"[Kellogg] is a predominantly African-American school that has not gotten capital investmenets .... these [proposed] improvements do not come remotely close to meeting our needs."

The next public speaker is an LSC rep and CPS parent at Lakeview.

"CPS treats racial justice as a second-class goal ... CPS perpetuates white supremacy by putting police in schools."

They addressed that CPS gave LSC the option to vote on SROs but not on the funding.

It's a bit difficult to hear the next public speaker, my apologies

We have only two public speakers left on the list.

The next public speaker is a 2020 grad from Hancock HS.

"3 weeks ago we got rid of police officers from our schools who had 52 allegations combined ... We expect a unanimous vote to end the CPS and CPD contract."

They also share their pride for the work of youth organizers.

The next public speaker is an LSC rep at Mt. Greenwood.

"Our communitiy is very frustrated from the move to a hybrid plan to a remote learning ... the Union wants to treat this as a one size fits all."

They share that CTU bullies teachers.

Public participation is now over

Now hearing from elected officials

Currently hearing from 39th ward Ald. Samantha Nugent.

She reiterates that Sauganash needs more capital investment.

"Last year enrollment grew by 6% and CTU highlighted that 16 out of 21 classrooms were overcrowded."

Btw to my tally, we only heard from 4 speakers who spoke against police presence in schools

The next alderman praises the improvements made to the SRO program including a better selection process in which the principal can evaluate them.

They share that we should respect decisions from LSCs who voted to keep them.

"I support the Chicago Police Department."

Now hearing from 17th ward Ald. Moore.

"I encourage the LSCs to trust the leadership of their principals of which they chose"

Addressing the change in the contract from $33 to $12 million, he asks that the "savings go towards resources."

Now hearing from Ald. Taylor who asked for a moment of silence for Caleb Reed, a #CopsOutCPS youth organizer.

Taylor reminds the Board about the hunger strike from 5 years ago in which she participated in to save Dyett HS.

"Why are we not listening to young people who are saying that they do not want SROs in their schools?"

She addresses Richards HS LSC in her ward which voted to retain the SROs but didn't have a student rep.

"It is unfair for that position to be vacant."

"As an elected official, I have a right to receive information that I asked for," says Ald. Taylor.

She repeats several questions that she already asked about the SRO program during the hearing last month that still remain unanswered.

Now hearing from @SigchoFor25 who asks for a moment of silence for those who died in Kenosha at the hands of police officers and white supremacists.

"There is not a coincidence that a former CEO of Chicago Public Schools is now facing time for [corruption]," says @SigchoFor25.

"The parents and students are demanding answers from you ... time after time, we see failed policies."

"We don't need [money] for police officers. For what?! To perpetuate the police brutality we see all the time?" asks @SigchoFor25.

"[Board of Education] appointments are temporary, but your decisions are permanent," says @SigchoFor25.

"How are kids going to feel loved in this environment?"

"I urge to vote against [SROs]," finishes @SigchoFor25.

Now hearing from @RossanaFor33 who starts off by thanking Board member Todd-Breland, who's in support of removing SROs.

"I am deeply disappointed by the fact that the decision to remove SROs was placed on LSCs, some of which aren't fully operating."

"I have Roosevelt HS in my ward and I am incredibly proud of them because they have a restorative justice program," says @RossanaFor33.

"By relying on police for safety, what we are saying is that we are okay with a racist approach to safety in our schools."

Now hearing from @Andrefor40th who starts by expressing his opposition to the SRO program.

"I submitted a number of questions [about the SRO program] and didn't get a response for almost 2 months. Some of them still didn't get answered."

"Every single time, it was Black and Brown youth who were victim of any interaction [with police officers]," says @Andrefor40th.

He shares some of the answers he got about the program like how the selection process for SROs was up to one individual at each school—the principal.

He also brings up how CPS could not provide information on SRO complaints and data on student-based arrests.

He shares that restorative justice programs in CPS were receiving $20 million less than the previous $33 million SRO program.

There's clearly a long list of questions about the SRO program that @Andrefor40th never received answers to.

"It is completely irresponsible for this appointed board to allow [the SRO program] to move forward."

Now hearing from @CDRosa who introduced an ordinance back in June for police-free schools after working with youth organizers and community members.

He shares that there is no data that proves the positive impact that SROs have on students.

"Ultimately, we need to get rid of police officers in our schools," says @CDRosa. "If we really want to keep our students safe, then we need a trauma-informed approach."

@CDRosa also adds that CPS clerks need the protection of working from home, which is currently a privilege for the "white and wealthy."

"We are in dire need of counselors in our schools," says the next alderman who encourages the Board to terminate the contract. Missed who that was, apologies

Now hearing from Ald. Scott, chairman of the education committee in City Council.

He shares that [55] schools voted to retain SROs and that not every school is not the same.

He also shared that some parents aren't willing to send their kids to schools without police officers.

"CPS has done a magnificent job answering the questions that they had answers to," says Ald. Scott.

"I don't think you can remove all officers from all schools at one time."

Public participation is now over

Now hearing from Board member Dwayne Truss about comments made in public participation.

"We gotta keep having those conversations but in a respectful manner," says Truss, addressing @TroyLaraviere's comment about how principals are mistreated.

We will now be moving into 4 presentations.

The first presentation is the FY 2021 CPS Proposed Budget Overview.

The FY21 school budget was proposed after hearing from 500 community members at six workshops during the winter about the state of school funding.

Some highlights of the budget include

- $75 million for resources addressing COVID-19
- $653 million for building improvements at 250 schools

School budgets included over $125 million with new investments for equity grants, special ed funding, pre-k, etc.

The funding for the SRO program was reduced by 50%.

The budget also includes $343 million of federal funding to close the budget gap

The total CPS FY 2021 Budget is $8.4 billion.

Operating budget (day to day operations) - $6.9B
Capital budget (expansions and investments)- $758M
Debt Service Budget (interests) - $711M

State revenues comprise 27% of operating revenue.

Revenues from local sources - $3.75 B

Revenues from state - $1.8B

Revenues from Federal - $1.3B

95% of the operating budget directly supports schools.

59% of the operating budget is funding allocated directly to district, charter, and contract schools

36% of the operating budget provides centrally managed support to schools (nurses, social workers, etc)

Salaries & benefits comprise 77% of the operating budget which includes charter schools.

The remaining 23% is used to pay for non-personnel supplies (student transp, food, utilities)

Here's the slide on teacher pension inequity between schools in Chicago and the rest of the state:

Breakdown of the FY21 capital budget:

Budget overview presentation is now over. Currently taking a couple questions from members of the Board.

President Del Valle asks about the time frame for federal funding. CPS says that they're anticipating the "next few weeks or months."

Board member Elizabeth Todd-Breland urges everyone to pay attention to the federal government about school funding.

"Many school districts across the country will suffer" if they don't get that federal funding.

Board member and Vice-President Sendhil Revuluri asks where this federal funding estimate comes from specifically.

CPS shares that they made conservative estimates based on the CARES act.

Revuluri also asks how the working group who helped create this proposed budget will continue to be engaged moving forward. CPS shares that they're first hoping to pass the budget so that they can continue the engagement process.

Board member Luisiana Melendez asks about the anticipated $1.9 million from the federal funding and state contribution to teacher pensions.

She highlights an issue in the low level of state funding contribution to teacher pensions compared to CPS contribution.

Board member Lucino Sotelo says that we cannot ignore the inequality of state level contribution for teacher pensions.

Board member Amy Rome expresses praise for Heather Wendell who worked with community members for the CPS proposed budget.

Now moving onto the second presentation which will look at the proposed FY21 capital plan.

Here's the capital budget timeline:

Develop baseline for the capital budget:

Currently hearing about how members of the community were engaged in the process of creating this proposed capital budget

Here was the community feedback to ensure an equitable capital budget:

Earlier we heard from parents at Sauganash Elem about the issue of overcrowding. Here are the proposed budget solutions for that:

Here's a historical comparison on the capital budget:

Here's a quick summary of the capital budget:

Here's a breakdown of the capital budget in regards to facility needs:

Here's a more detailed breakdown on overcrowding at Sauganash and internet connectivity during remote learning:

Here's the breakdown for more investments in site improvements (playgrounds, lots) and project support services funding.

Here's a map of where most of those investments in the capital budget will be made (historically dis-invested communities):

Proposed capital budget presentation is over

Now hearing from members of the Board about the proposed budget

Chief Operating Officer, Arnie Rivera, is weighing in on this conversatiom about the capital budget too.

He suggests getting more creative on how the district gathers feedback from the community about proposed budgets electronically.

Board member Sotelo addresses both the operating and capital budget and emphasizes taking a more portfolio approach community by community.

Now moving onto the presentation from Jadine Chou about the SRO program.

Chou, head of Safety and Security in CPS, gives an update on how Local School Councils voted on the SRO issue.

55 schools voted to keep
17 schools voted to remove
- schools will have updated safety plans and can re-visit the decision to remove at any time

Chou shares that the district provided a survey + toolkit and that some schools created their own survey.

Now she's addressing improvements that have been made to the contract for SROs.

As we've heard before, eligibility and selection criteria has changed. SROs will be vetted and expected to have an "excellent disciplinary history."

She also shares that SROs will be prohibited from entering student information into the gang database but that "it was never their intention" for that to happen in the first place.

All complaints will be directed to COPA, Civilian Office of Police Accountability for a more centralized place to track.

There is also more explicit protection for students who are undocumented and that CPD has to immediately notify CPS of any incidents involving SROs use of force in their duties.

There will also be a removal cost for the mobile patrols which is a part of that 50% reduction to the SRO program budget.

In terms of ongoing compliance monitoring,
- meet with CPD every 2 weeeks
- meeting with independent monitor every month
- quarterly updates to BoE

Now we're looking at arrest data overview.

Keep in mind, we still have not received student-based arrest data.

Reduction of arrests in CPS:

Reduction of arrests by race in CPS:

Racial disparities of arrests in CPS:

Upcoming partnerships to help improve the SRO program include Lurie Children's hospital, Mikva Challenge Youth Safety Advisory Council and the University of Chicago Education Labs.

Jadine Chou says that there will continued engagement with students and communities about this issue.

Now hearing from Board members.

"I continue to believe that school safety and security does not demand police officer presence in our schools," says Board member Melendez.

Board member Melendez asks if alternative plans on safety at schools that voted to remove SROs will be included in the SRO budget.

Jadine Chou says that they will continue working with schools for a plan and that it will take time.

And yes, board member Melendez shared that Sendhil Revuluri is the member who presented the resolution members will be looking at later that proposes getting a district-wide alternative plan for safety by March.

Now hearing from Board member Dwayne Truss who asks if the 17 schools who voted to remove SROs will share a similar alternative plan for safety.

Jadine Chou says that she is expecting that to be a part of future conversations.

Board member Truss reiterates that it's important for community members to be able to weigh in on this issue and that he "doesn't know every community."

Last week, students rallied outside his home demanding #CopsOutCPS. Here's more from that:

https://twitter.com/_KellyGarcia__/status/1296941917746401280?s=19

Board member Amy Rome shares that the improvements made to the SRO program fall short of the research that proves the harmful impact of SROs on students and demands from youth organizers.

Board member Rome shares that student participation was also limited throughout the process of LSCs voting over the summer.

"Pushing the vote on LSCs was not the right approach."

Board member Rome also shares that she has respect and pride for youth organizers who risked their lives during a pandemic to protest for #CopsOutCPS and to make their voices heard.

"It's the board's duty to listen."

Board member Truss asks Jadine Chou if there's going to be training for staff to better understand the role and responsibilities of SROs.

Chou says that Lurie Children's hospital will look into that interaction between SROs and staff from a trauma-informed lens.

Now hearing from Board member Elizabeth Todd-Breland.

"I cannot vote for a measure that continues to keep armed police in our schools" which disproportionately impacts Black and Brown students.

"The data has not changed and as we get more data, it continues to get starker," says Todd-Breland. "What has changed since June?"

Board member Todd-Breland shares that now after LSCs voted on this issue, Black students will have more police presence in their schools than any other students.

She also asks the Board to reflect on the murder of Jacob Blake by a police officer.

"In a city that greets our students with raised bridges and riot gear" students continue to protest with joy and reimagine a police-free world.

She speaks very highly of youth organizers who have been protesting non-stop.

Now moving onto the presentation for CPS' reopening plan.

In regards to remote learning, 40.4% of elem school parents and 37.1% of high school parents did not plan to send their children back to school which informed the district's decision to do full remote learning for the fall.

According to public health data, we are also seeing an increase in COVID cases and deaths compared to where we were 3 months ago which informed their decision as well.

There are 6 instructional priorities as we move into remote learning
- direct instruction
- peer to peer interaction
- small group instruction
- structured intervention
- multiple means to demonstrate mastery and direct teacher support

These are the following 7 expectations for remote learning:
- using Google Education suite
- daily remote learning w/ live video instruction and are synchronously available
- more focus on student social and emotional needs
- monitor attendance on a daily basis
(Cont.)

- digital access for all students
- clear communication with families
- better structures for professional development

Here's a sample of what the schedule for remote learning looks like:

And here's what a student's daily schedule could look like during remote learning:

And here's what that daily schedule will look like for high school students:

Now hearing about The Healing Centered Project which is a plan for a 5-year vision that was created about a year ago to address students social and emotional needs.

Since then, they've had to consider the impacts of COVID and recent uprisings in their plan.

Some of their research shows how untreated trauma impacts the lives of young people, including CPS students.

Research also shows how healing can mitigate those impacts.

The Healing Centered Project will be launched this fall despite the different circumstances.

A new grief/trauma curriculum called "Rainbow/Silver Linings" will be available at 150 schools as a part of that launch.

Board member Melendez shares her concerns for students' screen time. Her recommendation is that the district continue hearing from teachers about what worked well in the spring, specifically those who work with pre-K students.

Board President Del Valle addresses the impact gun violence has on students and says that he does not hear about those issues as much.

"Do we have data on the number of how many CPS students have been shot/injured this [past school year]?" Jadine says yes.

Now moving to vote on public agenda items.

Bigger agenda items (FY21 budget, SRO program) will be voted on last.

Currently reviewing smaller public agenda items that require a vote.

Roll call vote for these small public agenda items.

Members voted unanimously to adopt those matters.

Now we will be proceeding to vote on the bigger items.

There is a motion to adopt a final one-year capital improvement plan for FY21.

6-0-1, resolution passes. Revuluri abstained.

Roll call vote for the FY21 budget.

Budget passes unanimously.

Motion to renew the contract with CPD is presented. Members will do a roll call vote.

Board member Revuluri asks to make a comment.

Revuluri notes that the SRO program has made improvements as noted by Jadine Chou and that SROs will be better prepared and not intervene in disciplinary situations.

"This [contract] is better than the previous one but still has room to improve," says Revuluri. "It's not clear to me that SROs are the root case of escalated disciplinary situations."

"If we remove SROs and nothing changes, then we haven't addressed the problem," says Revuluri.

"There's a lot more to do to ensure these changes are happening at individual schools everyday."

Board member Truss says that he will continue to work with management and his colleagues to be more intentional and connecting with all stakeholders.

Roll call vote continues.

BREAKING: Chicago Public Schools Board of Education votes 4-2-1 in favor of keeping police officers in schools.

Motion to have an alternative plan for safety by March is presented.

Board member Todd-Breland asks for clarity about this resolution from Revuluri.

The intent of this resolution, according to Revuluri, is that there is a broader need to re-imagine what safety looks like for students.

"We need to provide schools with real alternatives."

Btw, here was the tally on the vote:

Rome - no
Todd-Breland - no
Del Valle - yes
Truss - yes
Sotelo - yes
Revuluri - yes
Melendez - abstain

Board member Rome asks Revuluri what's the difference between this resolution and the changes that CPS already made to the program.

Revuluri says that those improvements don't actually provide alternative plans for safety.

Board member Todd-Breland asks Revuluri if this is intended to end the SRO program.

Revuluri says thats not the intention of the resolution but thats his personal (?) goal ??

Melendez also asks Revuluri for clarification on this resolution.

"Through the many conversations I've had with parents, students, community members ... the root cause is not SROs ... it's choices that communities make" says Revuluri.

Revuluri keeps reiterating that "SROs are not the root cause" but insists that this resolution is being presented to create alternative plans for safety.

Board member Rome asks for specifics in the resolution and why student voice is not a part of it.

Revuluri insists that student voice *is* a part of the resolution.

Board member Melendez says that there is data showing the disproportionate impact of SROs on students in response to Revuluri.

Revuluri responds by saying that Board members are not the ones interacting with students everyday.

It's members of the community who "have to get the ball rolling on alternative paths to safety"

He adds that as Board members they have to provide an option for those alternative plans which is why he presented this resolution.

Board President Del Valle says that the resolution is to "phase out" the SRO program.

He clarifies that the intent is to remove SROs eventually even if there is no timeline.

Revuluri says thats not a correct reading.

Revuluri clarifies that this resolution was created so that an alternative safety plan exists by the time schools vote again next year.

Roll call continues.

The motion to create an alternative plan for safety by March passes 4-2-1.

Motion to fill vacancies at 2 Local School Councils passes unanimously.

All other agenda items have passed.

Before adjourning, Board President Del Valle thanks everyone for their time and effort regarding the SRO issue.

He says "a lot more time goes into this before our board meetings."

Meeting has adjourned at 5:21pm.

In response to the vote, youth organizers are rallying outside 42 W. Madison

https://twitter.com/StuStrikeBack/status/1298745903185121280?s=19

The next Board of Education meeting will be on Wednesday, Sep. 23 at 10:30am.

Be sure to continue following @CHIdocumenters for more coverage on our local goverment.