BOARDWATCH: 'We are not overcrowded,' Avondale principal asserts, challenging Board's pretext for consolidating the school
[Editor's Note: The following are the remarks delivered to the April 27, 2011 meeting of the Chicago Board of Education by Ana Martinez Etska in opposition to the consolidation of Avondale and Logandale schools. Substance published the remarks of those who speak at Chicago Board of Education meetings based on what they provide us via e-mail after they have spoken at the meetings].
Remarks to the CPS Board Meeting regarding the Consolidation of Avondale Elementary School with Logandale Middle School, April 27, 2011
Surrounded by parents, Avondale Principal Ana Martinez-Estka told the Chicago Board of Education about the disrespect shown to the parents, teachers, and children of her school during the discussions and presentations regarding the proposed consolidation of Avondale and Logandale. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.We are asking you to stop the process. What is your rush? Give our parents and LSCs time to make a transition plan that includes their input.
During this process, I’ve felt like Don Quixote — tilting at windmills. Every time we came up with a solution, something else was added.
(1) The letter we received said that Avondale School was being consolidated because it was “overcrowded.”
We gave you the figures and proved that it was NOT OVERCROWDED.
• 723 students divided by 870 = 83% capacity. However, 80 of those students are Pre-K students and they use the same room as the morning students. • 723-80 = 643 students. • 643 students divided by 870 = 74% capacity
• We are not overcrowded!
(2) Then you said that Logandale was “underpopulated.” Our two councils got together and came up with a plan to give the 5th grade students to Logandale. They will now have more students in their school.
(3) Then we went to Springfield and we were told, “This is about the money — strictly financial!”
The parents from Avondale have fought, marched and come up with a proposal to unite the two schools! Give us a year to work with the parents and teachers so that we can provide a seamless transition.
Do you honestly think that Latino and African American parents cannot decide what is best for their children — and that they do not want a voice? Why else would you not include them?
Yesterday, April 26, 2011, Senator Iris Martinez addressed the parents at Avondale School. Mr. Jose Alvarez, Mr. James Dispensa, and Mr. Craig Benes were there. She said that she and the Task Force had worked for 11 months on the bill to address how CPS handles school closings and consolidations. She said, “¡Esto es una bofetada en la cara de mi comunidad! (This is a slap in the face to my community!) She told Jose Alvarez to “Stop the process!”
When she finished talking, Mr. Alvarez, Mr. Dispensa and Mr. Benes got up and walked out of the meeting without saying a word. They left the parents, LSC and Senator Martinez without giving us any opportunity to make any comments or ask any questions.
We are all human. We all make mistakes. We can forgive and forget mistakes. We cannot and will not forgive and forget the lack of respect shown by CPS to our parents.
