Once again, the Tribune editorially calls for the Chicago Board of Education to ”make better use of the money it already has” before asking for more. It would appear that the board is responding to your plea, with enthusiasm.
Last June, as a high school laboratory science teacher, I had a total pupil load of 67 students, who had the lowest failure rate in decades because I could devote much more time to individuals. This fall, my load has already increased by more than 60 percent, and I am told to expect more within days.
Last June, our teaching staff was cut by 13 percent. On Sept. 16, we lost 21 percent of those remaining. We have now been informed that we are to lose another 10 percent, which will bring our total loss of staff to 38 percent of our June complement.
Clearly, the board is cutting its per-pupil expenses dramatically, as the Tribune wishes. Doesn`t anyone care about what happens to the students as a result?
Once Ms. Vaughn and Mr. Kimbrough finish their little dance, we ”fat and lazy” teachers will probably get the 7 percent raise we contracted for last year. Since my work load has increased by ten times that amount, I dare to suggest I`m earning it-without even considering the fact that my own pension fund is already paying more than $50 million per year toward the raise I`m not getting.
A common statement heard from teachers is that Mr. Kimbrough was imported specifically to destroy the Chicago Teachers Union. If that were to occur, it is clear from the direction of present trends that the board staff would promptly abandon any further pretense at quality education in the public schools. The victims most seriously injured would as usual be the kids-kids who become the adults among whom you must live tomorrow.
