Sections:

Article

Carpenter's 'phase out': The inside story about how Chicago manipulates the conflict between the

Joseph Guzman - May 26, 2009

Philo Carpenter Elementary, at 1250 W Erie, seems to be a pivot point and subject of attack on CPS closures and phase outs. Substance follows along in examination of how a small school without much clout gets targeted.

Carpenter parents and students meet in the school library during planning to save their school from "phase out." Standing (center) is Substance reporter Joseph Guzman. At far left is parent leader Maria Hernandez. Substance photo by Joseph Guzman. Carpenter is a small quiet school with a rich history of multiple generations attending, creating a family environment and community with safe houses and trusted adults to take care of children. But the area has been changing and gentrifying recently, with $250,000 homes now built and more to come — elbowing out lifelong residents for those with high incomes. Many feel that Carpenter is being targeted for the influx of these new residents and pushing out the old.

Maria Hernandez, a former L.S.C member and current parent of a Carpenter student, is one of the strong leaders of the Carpenter resistance, telling Substance why she is fighting. “Here at Carpenter, the teachers don’t wait until the child lags behind, but works to bring them level with everybody else." She provides an example of her own daughter, who started kindergarten at Carpenter, but was transferred to a different nearby school due to a conflict with a teacher. When she resolved the problems, she returned and discovered that her daughter had fallen behind the rest of the students at Carpenter who were in the same grade. Up to speed presently, she attributes much of the gains to the intimate family environment of the school.

Maria was the first to start organizing parents the day after discovering Carpenter was scheduled to close. She learned of the closing via a letter sent home with the students. Calling long time friends and fellow Carpenter parent, Carmina Moro & Jessica Contrares, she joined with friends and started to plan and strategize to keep their school from closing. They wanted to know what the deal was from CPS and what Carpenter Principal Aida Munoz knew before starting anything — hoping it might all be a misunderstanding. But Principal Aida Munoz confirmed what the letter stated.

With this, Maria and others organized by knocking on doors, passing out flyers and circulating petitions, and still CPS kept denying the rumor that they wanted Ogden Elementary, presently at 24 W. Walton, located in the Gold coast area, to turn Carpenter into a high school…"

All the while she said she was thinking, “Why would they want this small building?” The parents eventually found out that Ogden was going to be rebuilt and that Carpenter was targeted for a drastic change. She goes on “I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing, but we believed that those in charge had the best interest for us and. The majority of the L.S.C. speak primarily Spanish, and didn’t question or investigate."

Carpenter school has long been described as "family." One of the families that organized, lobbied, and marched for Carpenter's future was Jesus Herrera, Martha Hernandez, and Diego (foreground). Substance photo by Joseph Guzman.But as the evidence started to solidify, that attitude changed. They approached a 27th Ward Precinct Captain, under Alderman Walter Burnett, and he told them that of course not, no High School would be taking over Carpenter and it is all OK. But they knew this false assurance was not true, as Ogden had an “Open House” and invited the community to come and visit their “West Side Campus" — at Carpenter!

Astounded, the Carpenter parents were taken aback. No vote, discussion, nor any input from Carpenter was ever entertained in this plan. Going to the Ogden website, they discovered that Ogden now plans to be a pre-K through 12 school, with a $2,500 “donation” requirement for incoming kindergarten children, a $75.00 "supply fee" and is now calling itself “The Renaissance 2010 Ogden International School”.

But soon after the Carpenter family made their objections known, the Ogden website mysteriously was down for two weeks. And the same thing happened before Carpenter’s hearing. Ogden Principal Kenneth Staral visited Carpenter and was heard telling many, including Principal Munoz, that Carpenter is now “his building and the he won it!” He was also passing out papers that March 25th was the deadline to enroll in “Odgen International.”

But this was not the first time Odgen set eyes on a takeover. In 2006, Odgen set up a satellite middle school within Carpenter without informing the school community, opening up earlier than the regular school year and coming as a huge surprise to parents there. They asked Principal Munoz what she knew about this and told them that CPS came in and informed her that either she take Ogden…or they would close Carpenter. CPS even wanted to bring a Military Academy into Carpenter in 1999. It was rumored, heard over the summer Maria says.

“They do it over the summer, so not to give the school time to organize,” Ms. Hernandez told Substance. CPS denied it, but the parents voiced their strong objection via L.S.C. powers. They acted preemptively, as the CPS does not follow the rules and before you know it…it’s too late. Carpenter feels that they made a strong opposition early on and was the reason for success. But, it was not without consequences. Schools supplies were often late in arriving soon after, well after the opening day, boundaries were changed and busing was cut. Things were now in the making and it was not looking good for the future of Carpenter. The community started to change, expensive houses built and the old time residents were not part of the plan. The organization Aspira also wanted Carpenter space as well, for older student development, but the L.S.C felt it was not a good idea to mix much older students with Carpenter’s younger children and refused.

When Carpenter was still located in the 1st Ward under Alderman Jesse Granato, a community meeting was held at Eckart park, where the Alderman announced that new homes will be built under a rejuvenation project …starting at $250.000.

When asked why, he told them that “this way the gangbangers won’t be buying them.”

“Since when do punk gangbangers buy houses?” was the response. Maria says, “He didn’t care and that’s when a lot of the people started to move out.” At the time, the connection between Carpenter and the encroaching gentrification was not clear…but now it is all but. There are two buildings presently in the way of the gentrification project and Carpenter is one of them. With a 93 percent low income status…it just doesn’t fit in. The other is a subsidized building, (of which many Carpenter students live), has its days numbered. Many feel that the current makeup of the Carpenter family is targeted socio-economically, as the cost now to attend the new Ogden school is beyond many and a hardship.

The Carpenter resistance also investigated CPS policies for school phase out and found none. What Carpenter was being closed for was for “Low Attendance”. When questioned by the parents at a meeting, David Pickens, Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer, stated that it was just “inter-departmental terminology”. When asked if he made it up as he went along, he would not answer. Maria says that Pickens makes parents feel like second class citizens and will say anything.

In early January 2009, a mass notice was sent out by CPS, informing that 22 schools were being looked at to either be closed, phased out or reorganized. It was the school advocacy organization P.U.R.E that exposed the list before CPS had the opportunity to do so, and a number of groups, including CORE, mounted protests. No one was getting any information prior to this and were kept in the dark, but the Carpenter parents thought it odd that Odgen knew what the plan was and details were already on their website. Peabody Elementary at 1444 W. Augusta, was on the targeted list as well, and seemed to benefit greatly from joining the cause. They were scheduled to be closed like Carpenter was initially. But the list was altered later, in that Carpenter would now be "phased out" (instead of closed) and Peabody escaped any change.

Things moved very fast around Carpenter, and a time line tells a good part of the story.

January 15, 2009

Students were sent home with a letter from former CEO Arne Duncan, informing the parents that a proposal to change Carpenter’s attendance boundaries and is on the school close list. As Carpenter is at only 23 percent capacity, Duncan claimed, it was in the best interest for all – and in essence, prepare to make way for Ogden.

This was the first official open notice, shocking the Carpenter family and mobilizing a crew the very next day to fight back. Many parents were surprised, but some already caved in and felt that there was nothing they could do, as they have a job, don’t speak English or don’t have the time. “It’s very draining because not only do we have to prepare battle against the CPS, but we have to sell this to the parents," Maria Hernandez said "...and I don’t understand how this is not one of their priorities!” Kiona Massey, a very trusted parent by many, was “pissed”. “I knew the CPS wanted our school for many years now, and so angry at the way they are treating all of us,” she said.

January 22, 2009

Carpenter parents made an appointment to meet Ald. Walter Burnett at 7:00 pm that evening. He was a no show and the office was locked, keeping the group waiting for over an hour in the bitter cold, but someone was inside as they could see lights and movement. He later explained that because it was bitter cold, he didn’t expect anyone to show up.

During the Ogden “Open House” that same day, the Carpenter parents picketed outside Ogden in a peaceful manner, informing their displeasure in the pending closure and letting all see who they are kicking out face to face. The Ogden parents were unaware of the pending disruption at Carpenter, were not pleased at the process CPS had taken and were offering referrals on who they could contact. But many were fearful of being observed openly associating with the Carpenter parents for fear of retribution against their children. January 23, 2009

The Carpenter group rescheduled a meeting with Ald. Burnett for the following evening, again at 6:00 pm. He did meet with them and relayed that he met with then CEO Arne Duncan at 12:00 pm earlier that day and the Alderman said all is fine, Carpenter will indeed be phasing-out and that Ogden will accept all your children and not to worry about it.

The Alderman wasn’t aware that Ogden was requesting “donations” or giving out applications to attend and was against Ogden coming in as a High School. Also, Burnett claimed that if Ogden didn’t accept all of Carpenter’s students, he would not let Ogden come in. When asked to put this writing, Burnett said he could not at this time.

January 29, 2009

Carpenter’s Phase Out Hearing was scheduled at 8:00 with almost 100 school community present, including parents, teachers, students and school administration. The majority speaking and voicing reasons to stay open. At this point, the Carpenter parents did not know for sure about the Odgen plan to convert Carpenter into a high school, and were basing their argument on the CPS letter that was sent home with the students in January. The hearing officer was hired by the CPS (it was later discovered), to listen to the parents and do not know who he was, but does legal work for the CPS.

It was announced that the new Ogden school would be under a lottery attendance policy, in complete opposite of what Pickens told the parents earlier….in where 50 slots would be lottery and all the children of the community would be able to attend. When asked about the boundaries, Pickens didn’t provide data, but said that all their answers would be available at the hearing. Not surprisingly, none of the requested data was there.

Multi-generations of Carpenter spoke about the obstacles the CPS has imposed, such as closed enrollment, the shrinking of the attendance area and the removal of the busing – yet now claiming the school is “underutilized.” These subtle attacks have been going on for about 12 years, as students who lived a block away or across the street could no longer attend because they were now “out” of the boundary area…and transferred to Otis Elementary – which is seven blocks away. When questioned, the Hearing Officer stated that he could not respond with any answers and just present to moderate and accept testimony.

“We got nothing out of the hearing and didn’t understand the point of it, as no one could answer us and it was just a monologue.” says Maria.

January 30, January 31, 2009

The Carpenter crew passed out flyers for a strategy meeting the next day at a local union hall. There they met other schools in the same situation and introduced to resources they could use in response to this attack. The organizations of C.O.R.E, Pilsen Alliance, K.O.C.O., P.U.R.E., the C.T.U, Designs for Change, Blocks Together, were all are a great help in advising, organizing and setting up meetings with CPS administration. And Rainbow PUSH has been airing the situation on their cable show often.

February 3, 2009

State Representative Cynthia Soto (4Th Dist) had a press conference at her office on the proposed school closure moratorium, (HB 0363) — “Establishing an equitable and effective school facility development process”. The moratorium basically stated to hold CPS responsible to their own policies in closing, phase-out, turn around or consolidate schools — investigated and conducted in a publicly open manner — and final determination dialogued with the school community before any decisions are made.

Carpenter, Peabody and Holmes schools were there in support of the moratorium. Soto had asked for input from the schools in forming the moratorium. (Soto had proposed a similar bill (HB 200) three years ago, but CPS felt that State involvement was not necessary and that a collaboration on policy would be created. Trusting their word, she withdrew it. Soon after, CPS broke its promise and Soto said that this time it would remain on the table.)

The Carpenter parents felt good about the press conference and the proposed moratorium, in that they were the flag school to initiate this and even if they lose, they will have left a legacy of accountability with State power behind it.

February 4, 2009

The Carpenter crew met at their school to plan next moves. They decided to see State Senator William Delgado (2nd Dist), support Peabody in their hearing and make plans for a sit-in/camp out at Carpenter on the sidewalk for three days in protest.

February 12, 2009

The crew attended a P.U.R.E meeting and received more info on their options. They also planned on joining in on the boycott on the 14th against McDonalds and Walgreens for their support of the Renaissance 2010 plan, which they did. Carpenter is also against Ren10.

February 17, 2009

Group met with Sen. Delgado and he pledged support of Carpenter and the Soto moratorium. Vowed to write a letter on behalf of Carpenter for the next Board meeting, which he did.

February 18, 2009

A group of parents went to the Springfield State House to lobby the “Moratorium Bill” with legislators on the House Education Committee and met with positive response. Carpenter Parent Don Jose Ibarez was one who knocked on doors and encouraged legislators to vote in favor of the moratorium. Telling Substance of his experience, he shares that he was unsure his limited English and emotion would help. “My English isn’t too good and I started to tear up”, he says. Laughing, he says he was little scared then, but managed to speak with eight representatives while others cornered the rest. They left for Springfield at 4:30 am and didn’t return back to Chicago until 9:00 pm, but they all did what they could do to create awareness of the bill.

February 19, 2009

The next day the full session of the Education Committee heard testimonies from Carpenter and others in support of HB 0363…and opposed from CPS representatives. Committee members debated, primarily concerned that the State should not be regulating CPS policies. Maria shares that Rep. Soto was really fighting for it. “She told her fellow lawmakers that CPS had lied in the past, not only to her, but to the community and punishing schools that are achieving standards without just cause and playing with the lives of the children.”

Not once has CPS CEO Ron Huberman made an effort to contact Rep. Soto in regards to this bill or any other matter. But, on the phone during the testimony was the elusive Huberman, directing the board’s representative/lobbyist with one other CPS individual. Making an announcement stemming from this conference call, the CPS lobbyist said that two schools were off the list as of that moment. Peabody was one of them; Holmes being the other.

The Principal from Peabody, Federico Flores Jr. was present to help testify in favor, as were CPS representatives from the Dept of Special Ed and Homeless Education. The Chicago Principals & Administrators Association was there in support of the bill, too.

The roll call for the vote started, all were nervous and as each yea in support - brought the moratorium closer past the first hurdle. The “Moratorium Bill” passed the committee unanimously 20-0, with tears and cheers of joy from Carpenter, and now was on its way to the full House. Carpenter did not think it was going to pass, with the dirty plays of the CPS and the smooth talking lobbyist. “But oh my God…it passed!” says Maria. Carpenter is really is proud of Rep. Soto and her determination to keep this alive and seeing it through and to the parents who went the day before and lobbied strongly for the bill.

Feb 22nd

The following Sunday, the Carpenter family circulated petitions at Santa Maria Church to keep the school open. Working the following few Sundays, the group has collected over 7,000 signatures for keeping Carpenter open.

Feb 25th

Carpenter attended the Board of Education’s monthly meeting, again testifying against phasing-out of the school, speaking of the family environment, achieving mandated scores, this has been in the planning for a long time and that demonstrating to the Carpenter students that even if you succeed, you fail by CPS standards. There was no feed back from the members of the board and everybody felt that nobody up there cared. They were also annoyed that this was Board President Michael Scott’s first day back (he came in late) and took time away from the speakers. Later after the executive session of the board that day, they voted to phase-out Carpenter. It was a big blow to the Carpenter family.

Feb 26th

Another meeting was arranged with Alderman Walter Burnett at his office. They asked him what happened? That he did not talk in their behalf, no guarantees that Ogden will accept Carpenter students and received no support from him. Burnett was visibly upset and did not expect them to be back after the board meeting. He told the parents that they were giving him a headache, that he wasn’t the only politician making the decisions. Reminding him that he does have a say so in what comes into his ward…and not to worry, that they are indeed speaking with other elected officials. Burnett seemed flustered and told them there was nothing he could do, and why were they complaining to him? Telling the group that he thought they were ok with what was going on and they got what they wanted. Angrily, the Carpenter parents told him that doesn’t he realize that he is opening up a High School in the Carpenter building? “I thought that is what you wanted!”, said Burnett to the disgusted parents. “Not once did we ever say that we wanted that here!”, they replied. “He turned everything around.”, says Maria to Substance. “I have my notes and witnesses of those who were there at the meeting.”, she concludes.

Burnett then said that let’s see if he could get an appointment with Huberman. He’s my friend and owes me this, Burnett reportedly told the Carpenter parents. March 4th

Burnett called to inform the parents that a meeting was set with Huberman at Clark St., but with only one hour notice and a meeting for 6:00 pm. With such short time, it was difficult to assemble a group, but Maria found one parent and one teacher from Peabody. The small group showed up at 6:07pm and Ald Burnett, David Pickens and another CPS individual were there, but not Huberman. They started the meeting regardless and the subject of the required “donations” ($2,500), for entering kindergarteners at Ogden was brought up. Pickens stated that he donates more than that for his school. Maria told him that he was blessed, but that Carpenter parents do not have such funds. And did his school tell him that his child could not attend if he did not donate? He stated that…no, they did not. He also mentioned that this is normal for schools.

They brought up school numbers to Pickens, that how could Carpenter be considered under-enrolled if the school is classified as a small school. That CPS says we don’t have resources for our students, and we do. He kept saying that “this is normal…normal.” Huberman finally arrived at 6:50, stayed for three minutes and announced that he really had to go. But before exiting, he was asked “Is it about money…as most of the families are low income.” He did not answer, but said really had to leave for a meeting. He told them that he will leave them with Pickens and will take into consideration what is discussed in his absence. When Substance asked what the Carpenter group got out of the meeting, “Absolutely nothing and a waste of time!” says Maria. I don’t think they thought we would show up as they had to search for a place to meet. Martha Hernandez was part of the 1986 graduating class of Carpenter and now has a child at the school. Starting to tear up, Martha told Substance that she no longer has what everybody else has. “When we were growing up, we had a second home here, but now my kids don’t and I’m saddened at losing this school.”

A closing statement by the Carpenter parents is that if you don’t have money or connections in high places…you have no power regarding your school. Maria’s son tells her often “This is a Communist government. They allow you to believe you have a say so, but really, you don’t.” But Maria and other parents do not see it that way, in that anything dear to you is worth fighting for. “I can’t wait for others to do it for me.” she says. “I want my kids to know that they can fight for something they believe in.”

The Carpenter family and school was very open in sharing their experience with Substance, with individuals eager to tell their stories and spending hours being interviewed. There are future plans of protest by Carpenter, but they are pleased that the Fair Process moratorium got a major push from their plight, benefiting others soon to be in the target hairs of CPS. �

This article was originally published in the print edition of Substance, May 2009. Copyright 2009 Substance, Inc. Reprint permissions are hereby granted to not-for-profit and pro public education groups and for teaching purposes. Please give full credit to Substance, www.substancenews.net. Your subscription to Substance helps provide timely and accurate news about the fight to save public education in the face of corporate media lies.

Copyright 2006-2020 by Substance News. All rights reserved.