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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Chicago Public Schools has announced that it will change the bell schedules of 77 CPS schools during the 2015-2016 academic year; and
WHEREAS, 60 high schools and 17 elementary schools will be affected by the changes which are being implemented to cut costs in the school system; and
WHEREAS, According to published reports, the changes may affect bell schedules in some schools by up to 45 minutes to an hour; and
WHEREAS, Implementation of the controversial change will impact the schedules of students who are now involved in after-school activities as well as the schedules of parents, especially in single-parent households; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that by changing the start times in 77 schools that CPS would save $9.2 million by reducing the number of bus shifts, cutting 160 buses and 75 aides; and
WHEREAS, Amundsen High School in Lincoln Square will reportedly change its school hours to 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., a major departure from its previous start time of 8 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Jackson Language Academy on the Near West Side will reportedly change its school hours from 7:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. when it previously began classes at 8:30 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Parents across the City of Chicago and their children involved in after-school activities may see their lives and schedules seriously disrupted by these sweeping changes; and
WHEREAS, 80% of high school students take public transportation to and from school and the bell schedule change may cause dangerous safety risks for students who are forced to travel through challenging neighborhoods; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Chicago City Council Committee on Education is urged to immediately convene hearings and invite representatives from the Chicago Public Schools to testify before its members to outline the proposed changes and address how this cost-cutting initiative will impact the lives and activities of CPS students and their parents; and
Roberto Maldonado, Alderman - 26 Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Committee on Education provide ample opportunity for students and parents to testify at these hearings in regard to the proposed changes in bell schedules in order to examine the negative impact that the controversial changes may have on students and parents.
