School Principal Goes to Town
We're surprised this ever saw print in the Sun Times, seeing as how they carry water for the mayor 24/7:
- I am the son of a black father from the South Side and a white mother from the North Side. I grew up in Bronzeville and now live in Beverly. I attended five Chicago Public Schools and I’ve taught in every corner of Chicago, in schools that were predominately African-American, Latino-American and European-American. I have served students who were homeless, and students whose families owned multiple homes. I was an assistant principal in a turnaround school, and I am currently the principal of Blaine Elementary, one of the city’s highest-performing neighborhood schools. Finally, I am a CPS parent with a son at our neighborhood public school.
I am fortunate to have experienced public schooling from such diverse viewpoints. However, nothing I’ve seen can compare to what I’ve witnessed as a CPS principal under the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
This gentleman has been a teacher, is a school principal and also a Navy veteran. The entire letter is a pointed bit of insight into how Rahm forced through "reform" via intimidation, threats of retaliation, and a coordinated media campaign that the press (especially the Sun Times) was more than eager to abet.
Go read it all.
Go read it all.
Labels: city politics
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
48 Comments:
Great article. You only find courage, honor and integrity in people who are prior service.
I heard about this yesterday and my first thought was 'this guy must have just turned in his retirement papers'. Kudos, sir, for your honesty.
Well said, sir. Now you must imagine what those of us on the police department feel toward him. As a fellow military combat veteran with an education, I must say that we too are in this tyrant's sights. Unfortunately, our union has been in disarray.
Great letter, thx for link.
As a Navy Vet, daughter of a former CPS principal, CPS graduate, & parent: I have many reasons to be so very proud of my shipmate. What an outstanding essay.
He's a hero to me.
That said, I suggest he watch his back. 9.5 is a nasty, ruthless, & vindictive piece of .... work.
God Bless our USA
Wow. Surprise,surprise. Sounds just like the police department. (Safe passage, contact cards, con-stat, McCartney)
I have a niece who teaches at a charter school on the west side. She says the students there are only three grade levels behind. Barnum was right.
And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
Well done, Sir.
Now, who will follow the lead?
This is the only way Rahm does business.
The sad part about all of this shit is that yes, Emanuel could very well have his narrow little petulant ass thrown the fuck out on the street with no political hack office to call his own.
The flip side is that no matter what other entity manages to get into office in Chicago, they're STILL going to be bought and paid for by the corporate whores on taxpayer welfare and they're STILL going to demand pension cuts so the corporate welfare spigot can be turned up even higher.
ALL elected officials in Illinois have one thing in common, they've sold out to the highest bidder, and that bidder is no longer labor, it's the hedge fund scumbags, the Wall Street scumbags and all the other corporate whores who suck at the taxpayer tit to boost their profits.
What you will see in short order after elections will be one thing, the elimination of public employee collective bargaining, period.
Citing "we're too poor" as their mantra, Illinois will dismantle collective bargaining through the legislature, thereby ensuring there will be no entity available to sue this state or city when they ram through their illegal pension bills next time after the current law gets shit upon in short order also after the election.
Constitution protects you? Already had a pension change shoved up our ass and it failed referendum?
Great! We don't need to attack our state constitution to serve our purpose of theft from employees for the corporate welfare cheats..... we'll just ELIMINATE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES and VIOLA!!!!
No more representation in THE most corrupt state and city in this country.
And it's all gonna be for the children, no matter which corporate whore gets themselves elected.
Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago.
******
Oh SUUUUUREE he has pissant.
Yah, he's don soooo much for the graduation rates in this city.... yah. Oooo kids are so much smarter since fucktard came to down.... my fucking ass.
"He's taken on the unions"..... FUCK what you think he did asshole..... teaching is a fucking job asshole, fucking teachers so you can shovel more cash at your fucking rich corporate friends doesn't fix a fucking thing.
It's dipshits like you who believe all the bullshit this punk in city hall throws at you that truly fuck up a city.
Get a clue asshole, the problem IS Emanuel and people like him that are fucking up your kid's education, NOT the fucking teachers.
Go tell your ball sucker Emanuel to stop the illegal TIF skim to his buddies..... go tell Emaneul to stop the illegal tax evasion he's granted to all his buddies..... then MAYBE after he's done all that you'll shut your pie hole when you finally understand where all the fucking money is disappearing to, moron.
Emanuel's a fucking punk who hasn't done shit in this city other than fuck it up worse by applying his little candy store owner mentality against everyone who's in it.
Little fuckers like Emanuel are brought down by this city.... because they know a little prick with a big mouth and can't back it when they see it.
Public employees in this city tell Emanuel to FUCK OFF, and there's nothing he can do about it.
Now the public finally understands what this little fuck has done to them as well. Taken their police protection away from them and in exchange given the ghetto dwellers a longer daycare facility for the parents to go out and drink all fucking day.
They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
******
A fine example of an idiot who understands nothing..... since you obviously have read a paper or understand anything that's happened in Chicago lately, here's a news flash for ya ball washer:
The teachers union fucked Emanuel sideways, and he took it ungreased pal.
But because you don't know shit, somehow you think Emanuel "won" against them.
You truly are an uneducated reader of the public drool ticket coming out of city hall aren't ya?
Did Emanuel tell you when to take a shit this morning buddy?
What an awesome letter. I can see in the future now that this man will be fired and accused of embezzlement or something else entirely false. This administration wasn't people to either toe the party line or shut the fuck up. If not, they will bury you. This man is my hero for standing his ground and fighting for his beliefs. I trust everything he states as us police officers are dealing with many of the same issues and hearing our idiot "mayor" lie to the public.
Great article.
How convient for Rahm that comments are disabled.
"So when people ask me, “Aren’t you afraid of losing your job if you speak out?” this is my answer: I did not travel across an ocean and risk my life to defend American freedoms only to return and relinquish those freedoms to an elected official and his appointed board of education."
Battle of Athens TN
Look it up.
Can someone convince this guy to run for mayor?
@ 5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
Hey Rhambot...
Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?
You were looking for the CTU blog, right?
If we scan that puddin' head of yours to see what resides in it, would a strange, multi-legged parasite with a face vaguely like Rahm's be seen firmly affixed and sucking the juice out of the cashew sized remnant of your brain?
You strain and shit yourself with your effort to defend the Rahm & Co. public education policy that as days go by, is being revealed as fucking indefensible as well as bigoted.
Well... So they say... Right?
Why doesn't Rahm just plunk a new school where it isn't really needed, name it after "our brother's keeper" and have the thoroughly controlled by him local media apparatus blow horns and bang gongs to announce it?
Distraction, pandering and appeasement are sticky things and stink like the very Devil... No?
Rahm Emanual is an afflicted and deeply closeted hater and psychopath in addition to being a shrill panderer and coward.
"Taking on the teacher's union," is fast and greasy weasel speak for: "I don't have the stomach or the political and media capital to take on the root cultural causes for CPS being the educational graveyard it is; so I'll expend much capital villifying the teachers to cast THEM as the enemy so I can have my cronies flip CPS to a for profit operation and get fat on campaign donations..."
Sounds about right... Right?
"it's for the children..."
Rahm Emanuel has shown amazing agility in stepping over the murdered bodies of these poor minority children shot down like dogs in HIS CITY where out of political spite, he refuses to hire enough Police to once and for all break the teeth, necks and backs of the urban terrorists who constitute a large component of his voter base that he has given the keys to the city as a firewall against upright citizen taxpayer effort to wrest back their city via the ballot box...
Want some more, bitch?
We got plenty...
See? We were gentlemanly about it...
We didn't even have to talk under your clothes (insertion/removal of feminine sanitary devices) like your "tough talking" idol, Rahm.
-Waiting for the big and long overdue check to be drawn against a tight, upturned and narrow ass-
>NSF<
Funny... You would cry like a bitch if a copper pillow-talked you in the same manner but you lunatic libs are the most hypocritical, visually noisy/busily auditory motherfuckers on the political landscape.
You people (and folks too) are selling nothing but eye watering crazy and the shit is pure poison.
Run fast, run far, hide and fuck yourself.
I did read it. And I was impressed by this man and pissed even more at Rahm than usual.
...and look what the man gets to work with now. Reverse racism as an instrument of state policy.
Different standards for different students --
State gets permission from the feds to ditch No Child Left Behind rules
May 11, 2014
"Under a dramatic new approach to rating public schools, Illinois students of different backgrounds no longer will be held to the same standards — with Latinos and blacks, low-income children and other groups having lower targets than whites for passing state exams, the Tribune has found.
"In reading, for example, 85 percent of white third- through eighth-grade students statewide will be expected to pass state tests by 2019, compared with about 73 percent for Latinos and 70 percent for black students, an analysis of state and federal records shows..."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-school-ratings-overhaul-met-20140511,0,5168254,full.story
What was that about 1 out of 5 Illinoisans leaving within the next year?
And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
Who wrote this ? Rahm's wife. Get out of here you troll.
So the Sun-Times publishes this principal's letter to the editor.....on Saturday! Big deal; nobody reads the paper on Saturday. This should have been published on Sunday, but I guess they didn't have room, considering they profiled a sweet-looking principal of a new school created by a $160 million dollar investment by GEMS Education, based in Dubai. BTW, the annual tuition is only $33,000.
If you need any further evidence of where the hearts of editors of the Sun-Times are, you don't need to look any further.
Outrageous.
Anonymous said...
And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
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FYI this guy is not currently a teacher or in the teachers union. He is a principal and considered an administrator. Management person that can easily get thrown out or set up by Rahm and his minions. He spoke his mind and I admire him for it.
Chicago journalism will be much more interesting once the Tribune and the Sun Times merge.
And it IS going to happen.
Anonymous said...
Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them. 5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
Dear Friend: If you think Rahm Emanuel is such an "effective leader," why don't you sign your real name to your post and own it?
Rahm is effective at spending TIF money on his wealthy, clouted buddies. Rahm is effective at spending millions on questionable projects like divvy-bikes and shutting down traffic lanes and at tax-payer funding of an unnecessary sports arena for independently wealthy DePaul University, and unnecessary new furniture for an unnecessary CPS headquarters in a very high rent district when shuttered school buildings could have been used. The list goes on.
Rahm will never admit the truth that our pension fund is in trouble because every mayor and city council member for the past 20 years has refused to commit available city funds to make the State-Mandated contributions to the pension fund. Instead, the money that the City had, every year for the past 20 years, that could have (and legally, should have) been spent towards the City's obligation to our pension fund, was STOLEN by former Mayor Daley, and is now CONTIUNES TO BE STOLEN by current Mayor Emanuel, so he can spend OUR pension money on pork projects for the mayor's friends.
As a Chicago Police Officer, I and my fellow officers have spent 9% of every paycheck towards our pension, as is mandated by contractual agreements with the City. The City, by the same agreement, is to make actuarial payments to the pension fund to KEEP IT SOLVENT. Mayor Emanuel, by REFUSING to make the contributions (mandated by State Law and our contractual agreement) from available funds, is STEALING from our pension fund to spend it on unnecessary pork.
That does not make Rahm an "effective leader." It makes him a THIEF and a LIAR.
Rahm has every intention of NOT PAYING the upcoming State-Mandated $585 million balloon-payment on our sinking pension fund. Rahm is already threatening to raise property taxes to get public opinion against Police and Fire personnel.
Yes, Rahm is VERY EFFECTIVE at spending tax-payer funds for HIS personal political ambitions, and let honor, integrity, and the general good be damned.
5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM: "...he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them."
HAHAHAHA - I nearly spit out a mouthful of morning coffee reading this. ROFL thanks for the laugh - you were being silly & sarcastic, right?
Courageous, honorable and full of integrity.I'd ask you to run for mayor, but I would not want to see such a wonderful person destroyed by such a dishonest occupation as mayor.
I think the writer and teachers in general have lost sight of the issue. They are employees of the Chicago Public Schools and as employees can be fired for violating board policies by speaking out on an issue that they don't agree with. These teachers and principals want to be called professionals, yet they go out on strike when they don't get a good raise, even in hard economic times. It is the place of the union to speak out, not individual teachers or administrators. This man should lose his position. Pronto.
You won't like your tax bill when it comes time to pay for teacher pensions and pay/benefits. They are one billion in the hole and counting.
01:27am, take Rahm's ball sack out of your mouth as we can't understand your mumbling.
" Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him."
100% Correct!
If it's between Rahm or Lewis/Prekwinkle for mayor, I am voting for Rahm....twice!
Anonymous said...
And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
Your guy is not an effective leader. He's a tiny little tyrant, who likes to throw tantrums. Unfortunately, if he's not reelected, some other socialist piece of crap will. And so the degradation of Chicago can continue.
Anonymous said...
And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them.
5/12/2014 01:27:00 AM
Get off this blog you 9.5 fingered fuk!
I wish all principals were like this principal and maybe CPS would not be in such sad shape. Everyone at the top/central office is in a feeding frenzy at the money trough and no one cares about the children except for principals and staff such as this one. CPS is rife with inept, unethical administrators-who will lead? Non-tenured teachers at some schools are ordered not to call the police for violent acts. This principal needs to be in charge-send BBB back.
He better update his resume, the clock is ticking on his continued employment at CPS...
What has he witnessed???
"Great article. You only find courage, honor and integrity in people who are prior service."
So, are you saying that people who are not prior service have no courage, honor, and integrity? Seriously? Is this what you are saying?
"And I suppose the teachers union never uses intimidation, threats and media campaigns in order to get their way, and to rape the citizens and children of Chicago? Rahm has led the fight against the teachers unions and instituted needed educational reforms in the interests of the children of Chicago. Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him. They will because he is an effective leader who dared to take this powerful union on, and win against them."
David Axelrod, is that you?
f it's between Rahm or Lewis/Prekwinkle for mayor, I am voting for Rahm....twice!
5/12/2014 10:36:00 AM
The true DemocRAT way defined... make sure you vote for the guy who's gonna line YOUR pocket, twice.
Speaking of sorry ass CPS principalswho doesn't let coppers do their jobs, anybody know what that jagoff Kenny Hunter, principal of Prosser HS, did now?
He's been replaced by an interim principal for some reason.
Speaking of CPS principals, what happen to Prosser principal Kenneth Hunter who treats coppers like dogshit? He was replaced by some interim princpal and word is he's under inverstigation for fixing some test or teacher survey. Anybody have any news on this jagoff who'll throw a copper under the bus without giving it a second thought?
Glad to hear someone who actually has a good position is standing up to tiny dancer! Most bosses are cowards.
It just gets better and better!
"Of course the teachers are going to bad mouth him."
________________
This comes from a principal, not a teacher, not CTU.
rahm is just buying time until Hillary taps him on the shoulder for a cabinet position.
Sadly CPS has been in bad shape for decades and it's gonna take a lot more than one voice to change the tide. This is a good start though, my hat is off to this gentleman.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Speaking of CPS principals, what happen to Prosser principal Kenneth Hunter who treats coppers like dogshit? He was replaced by some interim princpal and word is he's under inverstigation for fixing some test or teacher survey. Anybody have any news on this jagoff who'll throw a copper under the bus without giving it a second thought?
5/12/2014 10:07:00 PM
I'm sure there's a teacher-blog where you can go find your answer. But you don't really want an answer; you want to stir up shit.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Speaking of CPS principals, what happen to Prosser principal Kenneth Hunter who treats coppers like dogshit? He was replaced by some interim princpal and word is he's under inverstigation for fixing some test or teacher survey. Anybody have any news on this jagoff who'll throw a copper under the bus without giving it a second thought?
5/12/2014 10:07:00 PM
I'm sure there's a teacher-blog where you can go find your answer. But you don't really want an answer; you want to stir up shit.
5/13/2014 11:19:00 PM
You're wrong here pal. I was assigned to Prosser and I wanted to arrest two shitheads and Hunter told me I couldn't. When I agrgued with him, he got me taken out of HIS school. Ask any copper about the goof and they'll tell you it's only a matter of time before he gets booted out of there. I just to find out if it's that time now and why. And, yes, I'm stirring it up, but, rightfully so. Wouldn't you?
I'm sure there's a teacher-blog where you can go find your answer. But you don't really want an answer; you want to stir up shit.
5/13/2014 11:19:00 PM
You're wrong here pal. I was assigned to Prosser and I wanted to arrest two shitheads and Hunter told me I couldn't. When I agrgued with him, he got me taken out of HIS school. Ask any copper about the goof and they'll tell you it's only a matter of time before he gets booted out of there. I just to find out if it's that time now and why. And, yes, I'm stirring it up, but, rightfully so. Wouldn't you?
5/14/2014 11:23:00 AM
No.
And somehow I don't think I'd want to be your 'pal'.
If teachers want to complain or express their opinions on school issues then talk to their principals or their union, not to the press. If principals want to complain or express their opinions then talk to the CPS administration, not to the press. They are all employees, contrary to what they think and they can be disciplined or fired for going public on some issues and they are not protected by free speech on many issues. They want to be called professionals, but they certainly don't act like it and want their cake and eat it too. I am tired of the teachers and their constant crying about pay and benefits.
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