On Thursday, May 6, 2021, presentations were made on bids for the takeover of Chester Upland’s schools by three Charter organizations.
Before I get into what these organizations were offering or lack thereof, I must say that I was not impressed. I came away with the impression that our children are only numbers on a balance sheet to these entities. Yes, the district has some problems; I suspect no more or no less than any other district. Maybe it’s just that other districts contain or hide their issues better than Chester. Chester Upland also has its share of successes, but no one ever wants to highlight or discuss that.
One of the things that struck me as strange was the lack of parental representation at this meeting. As I travel throughout the city daily doing my work, I’m engaged by countless parents with endless complaints about the education of their little darlings. Yet so few of them felt it important enough to get up off their duffs to show up for the future of their children…better to sit back, whine, complain and point fingers. I’d like to see parents show up in force for school board meetings the way they show up for the district sporting events. Participation was virtual and in-person; though, the meeting garnered very little support in the way of attendance. My headcount at the in-person portion of the event was approximately 150 people. I do recall the moderator saying that the virtual count was approximately 1500. I do understand that parents face numerous challenges with work, caring for younger children, etcetera. I get it. I really do. If my choice was between putting food on the table and becoming active in the school board, I’m certain that feeding my family would come first. This being said, I think that this is where it is of crucial importance to open up a dialog with school administrators and your child’s teachers.
My faith remains in the dedicated, innovative educators. The eager, brilliant young minds of Chester’s students and the unwavering support of the Chester Upland School Board. The continued guidance of the administrators and our community’s ability to find solutions that will provide our children with the education they deserve. I do not believe that presenting the district with options that are of lesser value and lessen the standards for our children are of any benefit regardless of how cost-effective they may appear. With the Teacher’s Union calling for the full re-opening of schools in the next academic year, it would be wise of Chester’s citizens, educators, administrators, and all other concerned parties to pay particular attention to the quality of education afforded our children. Saying that the children are our future means nothing if we don’t show them that they are our future. The best way to demonstrate our resolve is to not allow the characterization of the Chester Upland School District as a whole or in part.
Parents should be concerned anytime an entity that is vying to educate our children sites statistics of proficiency levels of 61% in reading and 59% in math as being acceptable Why? Because if it was an affluent school district, the statistics of proficiency levels would have been much higher, as would the expectations. Communities like Chester have been subjected to the “Bait and Switch” for far too long…making it appear as if you’re getting something when in reality, it’s not the case.
