John Kass’ March 13 attack on Gery Chico does a tremendous disservice to the Chicago Public Schools. Mr. Chico’s commitment to public education in Chicago is beyond reproach and is manifestly substantiated by measurable results here in Chicago–accomplishments that are the envy of a nation groping for meaningful enrichment in public education.
As Midwest civil rights director for the Anti-Defamation League, I have had occasion to work with Mr. Chico on several important projects, including CPS diversity programs and the coordination of an association with Israeli schools that are struggling with many of the same systemic challenges confronting CPS.
In both examples, the programs are substantial on a grass-roots level and have received no media mention from John Kass or anyone else, nor perhaps should they. Rather, these initiatives are viewed by Mr. Chico and CPS as part of the broad mandate of a progressive approach to public educational reform.
Let us keep our compass calibrated on the vital progress that is being made in the Chicago Public Schools.
