I am posting this to urge you to shape the future of our community and the children who live here by becoming a candidate for one of our local school councils.

One of the most profound ways you can shape the future of our community, and the children who live here, is to work to insure that the local public schools operate at the highest level possible.  Local School Councils were established to allow for greater accountability, improve local school academic achievements and to allow parents and community member to have a say in local school budget and principal selection and retention.  They are extremely reliant on good people volunteering to serve and research shows that when a school with an active and involved Local School Council performs better.

In April, Local School Council elections will be held and while that is a couple of months away, the date to become a candidate is only a few weeks away.  There are public schools across the neighborhood serving our community and one of them is near you.

LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Studies have shown that schools that have effective Local School Councils have better performance in test scores.  The ability to the local school to exercise control over Principal selection and evaluation puts a focus on Principal performance at the ground level.  Setting priorities for the school through the adoption of school improvement plans allows for a plan better suited to the school.  Finally, by approving an annual budget the LSC has direct control of the purse strings for flexible funds.

Members of an LSC can also impact the school environment in several ways.  Examples of such impact are creating collaborations with local agencies and institutions, constantly pressing for improved academic programs, working to secure improved facilities, increasing parent involvement in the school, and personally volunteering time at the school.

There are big issues on the horizon for Chicago Public Schools such as a longer school day, school turnarounds, local school budgets, qualifications of teachers and principals, and many other school issues on the table now.  2012 brings you an opportunity to make an impact on local Chicago Public School policy by running to become a member of your local school council. 

Our community is a community of givers.  As I have mentioned above, this is an incredibly important way that either a parent or a member of the community can have an impact on our children.  If you are interested and would like further information the following will be helpful and you should follow up.  This is a serious commitment and should not be taken lightly.  The children will be counting on you.

The 2012 local school council elections will take place at all elementary schools from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 18, 2012 and the high schools LSC elections will take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 19, 2012.  Local school council election forms are available at the main office of any Chicago Public School, CPS Network Office, Chicago Public Library, and Local School Council Relations Office, 125 S. Clark, 5th floor, or can be downloaded from the Chicago Public School web site. 

Original completed forms with the required signatures can be returned to the school by March 8th, 2012 at 3 pm. or the Office of Local School Council Relations by March 1 at 3 pm., candidates will need to present two forms of identification when submitting the forms.

David Fagus
Democratic Committeeman - 49