How do Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Rahm Emanuel determine which schools get new programs, such as the new STEM and international baccalaureate programs that were announced recently?
I would love to see one introduced at schools that have been asking for this type of program for a while, like Foreman High School in Belmont Cragin. STEM programs will prepare students for a good career in the digital world we currently live in. I believe we need more schools to offer practical programs like STEM and IB to benefit the students in Chicago neighborhoods like Belmont Cragin, Humboldt Park and Hermosa, but nobody has asked for my opinion on the matter.
CPS should make all of the data publicly available to the community and stakeholders. That way, when residents feel like they don’t have a STEM program nearby, they can request one. CPS and the city should then make their final determination based on actual facts.
This part of the Northwest Side is an underprivileged area with limited resources where many families struggle financially. Having additional resources in the form of quality programming introduced to our community schools can help our students overcome their challenges and move on to successful future careers.
— Alfredo Calixto, Chicago
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