Committee on Education and Child Development
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District are the governmental bodies with whom Chicagoans have more contacts than any other; and
WHEREAS, stable and predictable educational and recreational systems are a key driver of neighborhood stability and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, student health and safety are bedrock principles to which schools and parks should strive; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Schools, by every available measure, have too few key support staff dedicated to the physical and mental health of Chicago's students, including but not limited to school nurses, school social workers, school psychologists, security guards, bus aides, and paraprofessionals, thereby putting students at risk of unnecessary physical and mental injury and creating unnecessarily unstable and unpredictable school environments; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Schools have some of the largest class sizes in the State of
Illinois; and
WHEREAS, academic research consistently demonstrates the value in developmentally appropriate class sizes, especially in the early elementary grades, including but not limited to better student learning, higher student achievement, and more stable school environments; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Schools have a significantly improved financial position over a few years ago as a result of the new evidence-based school funding formula and changes to Chicago's pension funding sources; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Park District has outsourced services and privatized work previously performed by public employees; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Park District employees work in all weather conditions, perform individual and groups activities for all ages, and strive to the highest standards; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Park District management has systematically shifted over two-thirds of the employment from full-time to part-time work; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District are currently in contentious negotiations with two unions representing nearly 35,000 employees, both of which have imminent strike deadlines and a high probability of a citywide schools and park district strike.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chicago City Council Committee on Education and Child Development commence a hearing on critical staff shortages and class sizes in the Chicago Public Schools as soon as is practicable; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chicago City Council strongly urges the Chicago Public Schools to settle a contract that includes improved staffing numbers and appropriate class sizes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of students as soon as possible; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chicago City Council urges the Chicago Park District to settle a contract that includes improved staffing numbers and appropriate compensation, benefits, and promotional opportunities to ensure that Chicago residents continue to receive high quality Park services.
Roberto Maldonado Alderman, 26th Ward
4,
Chicago City Council Co-Sponsor Addition/Change
Document No.:
Subject:
Please Add Or Change The Co-Sponsor As Shown Below.
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Please Remove Or Change The Co-Sponsor As Shown Below.
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Principal Sponsor
Final copies to be filed with:
Chairman of Committee to which legislation was referred
City Clerk