Parents, teachers, students press Brizard on school closings

Parents, teachers, students press Brizard on school closings
Brizard told one student from a proposed turnaround: "I make you a personal guarantee that I will make your school better." WBEZ/Dulce Mora
Parents, teachers, students press Brizard on school closings
Brizard told one student from a proposed turnaround: "I make you a personal guarantee that I will make your school better." WBEZ/Dulce Mora

Parents, teachers, students press Brizard on school closings

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During December’s Schools on the Line program, Chicago schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard fielded questions from parents, teachers and students about the proposed turnarounds and school closings the district announced this week. Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis chimed in too; she said the district should be collaborating with teachers and families to find solutions for troubled schools, rather than imposing them. She also pressed Brizard on why the district cannot invest extra resources in struggling schools without firing all staff.

There were questions from parents about school start times that seem good for bus schedules but bad for kids. Students had questions (again!) about bad lunchroom food. One student asked why there’s no gym at his school; another asked why students aren’t given bus passes to get to class.

Listen or download the show by clicking above the photo. Check out the live chat below that took place during the radio broadcast. It was hosted by Catalyst magazine deputy editor Sarah Karp.

WBEZ’s next live education call-in show with Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will be Thursday, January 5, 2012.