Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/author/cspiezio/)
The Chicago School Board voted to privatize building engineers in almost 50 more schools, giving more control over school maintenance to two companies that principals have widely criticized for two years.
Troy LaRaviere will become the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, a group that has flown under the radar until recently. LaRaviere vows to make sure that the voices of all principals are heard–even those who don’t agree with his sharp public critiques of the mayor.
District officials are now planning cuts of up to 39 percent in per-pupil money given to schools, a loss of about $700 million. A small group of principals was told to prepare for average cuts of 26 percent overall, when poverty grants and other supplemental funds are taken into account.
A recent survey found that language barriers are a major problem when it comes to providing mental health services to families with young children—putting children at risk of being misdiagnosed with learning or behavior problems.
Embattled Blaine Elementary Principal Troy LaRaviere will face retired Prosser Career Academy Principal Kenneth Hunter in next month’s elections for president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. Ballots go out next week and will be counted on May 20.
A running, interactive timeline tracks the key progress — and setbacks — in contract negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and the Board of Education, as well provides some historical context.