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Question of the day

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Illinois

* AP…

Gov. Bruce Rauner says that if Illinois takes over Chicago Public Schools, he’ll stand up to the teachers’ union on contract negotiations.

The first-term Republican governor said Wednesday that he backs a proposal to allow a state-appointed board to take over operations of the nation’s third-largest school district. An appointed authority would have the ability to negotiate new contracts.

The Chicago Teachers Union is locked in contentious negotiations with school officials. The union went on strike in 2012, its first walkout in 25 years.

Rauner accused Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel of caving on contract negotiations then and says Emanuel is set to do so again.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings lowered CPS’ bond rating yet again.

* Mayor Emanuel and Sen. Heather Steans have both said Rauner is using the issue as a “distraction” because he doesn’t yet have a budget of his own and has to submit a new one soon. Senate President Cullerton has said the governor’s “ridiculous idea” is a “distraction from the state’s problems” and that it’s “not going to happen.”

They make a very good point about the distraction stuff, but how about we focus on the policy instead?

* From the Radogno/Durkin press release…

* Recognize CPS’ financial difficulties and amends current state law, established by HB5537/PA 98-1155, to include the Chicago Public School system in the Illinois State Board of Education District Intervention law

* Specifies the process for the Illinois State Board of Education to establish an Independent Authority (IA) to run the school district and the removal of the current CPS Board of Education

* Specifies the State Superintendent of Schools must appoint 5-7 members to the Authority, who shall be selected based on expertise and knowledge in education policy and governance including local community members, in cooperation with local officials;

* Authority members must not be CPS employees or have a financial interest

* Authority members will serve without compensation

* Grants the Authority the power to serve as the School Board, with the same powers and duties; specifics the Authority cannot unilaterally cancel or modify existing collective bargaining agreements

* The Authority would serve until the State Board of Education determined CPS is no longer in financial difficulty; Provides the phase-in process for an elected CPS Board of Education and prohibits union contributions to those candidates

* Establishes that the state is not liable for the school districts’ debt.

* An excerpt from Sen. Heather Steans’ press release…

The Chicago Public Schools educate nearly 400,000 students, almost 90 percent of them from low-income households. Five percent are homeless. Almost one-fifth are learning English as a second language. Yet against the odds and starved of resources, the state’s largest school district is achieving higher test scores and graduation rates for its students. […]

They portray their plan as merely a matter of fairness – adding CPS to an existing law allowing for state intervention in certain districts. But this could not be farther from the truth.

Illinois’ current intervention law does not require or even allow bankruptcy; in fact, Illinois does not permit any unit of government to declare bankruptcy, and the current situation in Michigan demonstrates the serious pitfalls of rushing to release governments from their financial obligations.

In addition, CPS educates more than 14 times the number of students in the largest district currently eligible for state intervention. The State Board of Education is simply not equipped to manage such a large, complex and diverse system of schools.

* The Question: Should the state be allowed to take over CPS? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

survey service

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:45 pm

Comments

I voted no since I interpreted the question as “should the State take over.” I don’t think we’re there yet.

But as with so many laws in this state which apply to some jurisdictions but not others, why is the Chicago School District the only school district exempted from the current law?

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:53 pm
Voted yes. Any other plan or financially sound pathway out of this mess available? Hearing none…

Comment by Anon2U Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:54 pm
No. If the State of Illinois was in decent shape, with balanced budgets and long-term strategies in place to produce growth and stability for workers and businesses, then perhaps I’d consider granting it extraordinary powers like this.

Right now, the state is merely steps ahead of where Rauner, Durkin and Radogno claim CPS is currently. Pot, meet kettle.

Further, what were the two leaders thinking by agreeing to carry this dumb message? They are already widely seen as weak and ineffective leaders. Rauner gives them this assignment, which is doomed to fail, and they agreed, reinforcing how weak and ineffective they really are.

Can’t anybody play this game?

(That’s not to say CPS doesn’t need to be saved by someone, simply that Rauner and state intervention is laughable given the current reality in Springfield.)

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:56 pm
I have two kids in CPS schools. Voted no because Rauner 1. can’t pass a state budget and 2. is trying to provoke a strike with his state employees. Not somebody I want running my kids’ schools.

Comment by Jeff Park Mom Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Voted no because CPS can raise revenue and cut expenses. They wanted to control their own fate, and they can; they just don’t have the political will to do so.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Treat CPS like every other school district in making it eligigle for state takeover, but jettison the bankruptcy provision.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:00 pm
Voted no because the State is in no position to “take over” anything. They need to get their own house in order before they try to “take over” CPS.

Comment by Centennial Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:00 pm
voted no. given the state of the state, i have zero confidence in the state’s ability to take over cps.

Comment by Zoe Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:00 pm
eligible If the takeover policy is worthwhile, extend it. If it isn’t, then repeal it.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Rauner has a track record of acquire, liquidate assets and then file bankruptcy.

In this case Brucie Babby is jaw jackin, the proposed legislation will never see his desk.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:04 pm
Not this time. Thus smells like Rauner is just reaching to attack yet another union, nothing more.

Comment by The Equalizer Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:06 pm
Should the state be allowed to take over CPS?

Voted no.

The Rauner Superstars have enough on their plates without taking over CPS. Perhaps they can take a crack at CPS after they do all of the things mandated by the Illinois Constitution. (Spoiler: I’m talking about a budget.)

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Voted NO!

Governor Rauner and his cronies need to be stopped once and for all. Labor, you need to start listening and make the easy decision to vote out all of the “Yellow” votes!

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:07 pm
I had to vote no because there wasn’t a hell no option.

If the governor can’t pass a budget and run state government, what make him think that he can the largest school system in the State?

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:08 pm
I asked myself “what in CPS’ management of Chicago’s schools and CTU’s positions to date make me think that they’d do better than Rauner (or whichever Democrat wins in 2018)? Then I voted yes.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:14 pm
Who could do worse than this?

https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/18/14-months-of-revenue-for-a-12-month-budget/

Rauner could probably do worse; I voted no.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:15 pm
Zero trust in the bust-out guy.

Comment by alas Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Acquisition and merger are my governor’s strong points. I’m sure their is facts and data to back this up?

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Voted no because Rauner shouldn’t try to bust the Chicago teachers’ union until he’s finished busting AFSCME. One anti-middle class hurdle at a time, Mr. Governor. Stay focused.

Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:16 pm
I voted no. Should the voters of Chicago elect a school board to run the CPS - Yes. Rauner seems to believe that this is another opportunity for himself and his grand ideas. If he wanted to run the CPS he should have bought himself the mayors job.

Comment by Spliff Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
Yes, the current management infrastructure can’t do its job. Senator Steans talks of their wonderful results, but she doesn’t mention that those results were achieved spending money the district doesn’t have, which is what led to the current crisis.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
Votoed “no”, same reasons as those stated by RNUG (perfectly stated by the way). CPS can extract themselves from this given the will and some bridge building.

Also their mess, they need to clean it up.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:19 pm
I’m afraid Senator Steans voices a faulty assumption when she states that “The Chicago Public Schools EDUCATE nearly 400,000 students” (CAPS added) Too bad Fred Hess & Don Moore aren’t still around to react to that whopper….

Comment by The Historian Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:20 pm
If the take over was being done to help the Chicago Public Schools figure out their financial mess, I would have voted yes. But, this feels like the gov is doing the take over to get back at Rahm & Madigan so I voted No.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:21 pm
I think this policy is an idea whose time has come. I vote yes but sincerely hope it won’t be used for political purposes.

Comment by Levois Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:24 pm
No, let Chicago decide but allow bankruptcy as an option. California has survived 3 municipal bankruptcies without “busting the unions”, and it is also a blue state.

Comment by CapnCrunch Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:26 pm
I voted no. Governor Rauner has not yet demonstrated the ability to perform his job responsibilities in a financially responsible manner.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:26 pm
Rauner wants another union to attack. Education of kids is incidental

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
No! This is a Rauner “break the Unions” plan, while lectures about fiscal responsibility ring false. And where were all these concerned Republicans for the last 40 years or so?? Fortunately the bill will never reach the King’s desk.

Comment by CrookCounty60827 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
I voted no. You don’t toss a drowning man an anchor. Rauner Can’t pass a budget for his primary job. The state takeover wouldn’t come with a magic ring that would give Rauner dictatorial powers.

Comment by Relocated Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:30 pm
No. Why we would we turn over a district in need of strong financial controls to a man who is the worst manager of state finances currently holding executive office in America?

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:32 pm
Voted “No”

“Why?”

I asked only three things of the New Rauner Administration in January, 2015

FY2015 FIX
FY2016 Budget
Labor Peace

One got so messed up, Rauber had to do “My Bad” and recind “Good Friday Massacre” cuts.

One is a budget yet to be introduced as even remotely balance.

One is about to reach “Last and Final Offer”

I want that Crew with more in their plate?

Nope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:34 pm
Why bail out a dysfunctional, corrupt, and financially unsound school system. Let Chicago deal with this mess. They allowed it to happen.

Comment by Apocalypse Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:34 pm
The thought of Rauner taking over the Chicago schools when he cannot do his own job is frightening. No.

Comment by DeKalb Guy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Apocalypse may have tapped into something that Rauner hadn’t counted on. Downstate grassroots opposition.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:38 pm
I voted NO. As a policy-making body and administrative entity, ISBE does pretty well. Running a school district on a day-to-day basis is not something within their wheelhouse.

It worked so well in East St. Louis…

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:39 pm
I voted NO! The state is in no position to take over CPS. The state needs some real leadership, a budget and help for our most vulnerable citizens. I would vote yes to the federal government taking over Illinois.

Comment by Flynn's Mom Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:42 pm
No. Rauner has yet to show ANY ability to run anything yet.

Comment by Sangamo Sam Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:43 pm
I voted no. If the state can’t even prepare a budget, what business does it have trying to run — anything?

Comment by IllinoisBoi Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:43 pm
Voted no, not as a leap of faith of CPS or Rahm, but a lack of faith for the corrupt school district “takeovers” I’ve seen in the past.

As far as Sen. Steans nonsensical comment, ” Yet against the odds and starved of resources, the state’s largest school district is achieving higher test scores and graduation rates for its students.” She apparently knows nothing of what CPS spends or how it stacks up against other major city school systems. CPS spends a whopping $15,120 per student,about $2600 above state average, and significantly higher than high quality schools in Naperville (203)and Will Co Naperville (204), both unit districts like CPS. No one expects the same outcomes in CPS compared to Naperville, but there’s no reason they can’t provide the same QUALITY of instruction and facilities as Naperville for the money, except for CTU and the corrupt Dem system that runs CPS. Before you claim they’re spending more because of having so many “low income” kids, take a look at their school report cards. They have one teacher for every 21 kids, but class sizes are over 24, far higher than state average compared to schools spending far less per student. Seems there’s a lot of CTU teachers not finding their way to the classroom to help those “challenged” students….

Comment by Arizona Bob Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Interesting that Rauner and other conservatives are always talking about local control and demonizing big government sticking their fingers anywhere. Yet here they want big government to take over local control.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:56 pm
CPS isn’t there, but it’s darn close. Voted yes. But the bankruptcy provision has to go, if that’s part of the deal, then change the vote to no.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:00 pm
Joe M @ 3:56- Agree. They are for local control until the locals don’t agree with them. Then, they are all about taking over.

Comment by Former Hoosier Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:00 pm
I also voted no because I feel this is mainly another anti-union strategy by the Governor — and perhaps another way to shed pension obligations also.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:02 pm
The headlines about CPS plan should read “RAUNER REPUBLICANS SHIFT FROM LOCAL CONTROL TO BIG GOVERNMENT”

Comment by Say It Ain't So!!! Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:07 pm
No. It’s insane to believe Rauner’s handpicked replacement of the CPS school board would be an improvement on the current status of the district. His attempts to hammer and shake up Illinois has been a disaster so far, piling up millions more in debt. He’ll “fix” CPS by forcing bankruptcy and attempting to gut another union?

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:08 pm
So Gov. complains that CPS wants a bailout from the state. Then they try to solve the problem themselves and then the Gov. sabotages them twice. Now he wants to take control and bust the teacher’s union (his plan all the long). He’s playing with the lives of parents and students as well as the teachers all for his political ideology. What a grass bowl!

Comment by BeenThereB4 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:08 pm
Voted No, don’t trust that the oversight would be independent. For example:

==Gov. Bruce Rauner says that if Illinois takes over Chicago Public Schools, he’ll stand up to the teachers’ union on contract negotiations.==

Why not cut out the middleman and make Rauner’s position responsible for both being Governor and head of CPS? How about mastery of basic governing skills first?

Comment by AC Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:09 pm
No, the state should NOT take over the Chicago Public Schools. How about instead the Governor and other state legislators carry out their own elected duties and make the residents of Illinois proud to live here (instead of embarrassed).

Comment by Christopher Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:13 pm
==Downstate grassroots opposition.==

Plus don’t forget that Chicago is also lamenting the fact that they don’t get 20% of state funding for 20% of the school population. Unless you’ve got a money tree somewhere the only place that extra 5% comes from is downstate. That won’t go over well.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:18 pm
No. CPS does need a lot of structural changes, as well as a hefty property tax hike, but no to bankruptcy and no this provision that unions can’t contribute to school board races.

However, I do think its time to bring back the school finance authority and give it a chance to clean up CPS’ books.

Comment by jerry 101 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:18 pm
That said, it will be funny to watch the Teachers Union break another politician stupid enough to fight them.

Comment by jerry 101 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:19 pm
Was tempted to vote yes but then realized that the State already has a financial mess on its hands. Why add another mess to the one Illinois already has.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:31 pm
No its not about the school or the kids its about CTU. The state needs to focus on getting its own house in order. Interesting how few yes votes explained their votes.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:31 pm
Voted Yes. I’m embarrassed by the status quo here in Chicago. There’s no rush to figure it out here. I welcome any alternatives at this point. Probably doesn’t help that on Friday I saw a 7 yr old girl from Jenner Elementary throw her free food onto the sidewalk while she was waiting at the bus stop at Division/Clybourn. Then when I came back to the bus stop walking my dog mins later there were open boxes of macaroni noodles on the sidewalk. Nobody cares anymore, so neither do I.

Comment by Jose Abreu's next homerun Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:31 pm
Voted no.

When Bruce terminates the Downstate Republican Jobs Program and breaks the prison unions first…then hires Big Box greeters at minimum wage with no bene’s to serve the bologna sandwiches and aspirin then I’m interested.

He is too chicken to to do this.

Comment by Jack Stephens Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:33 pm
Um…no……….I thought Rauner’s problem with the world—I mean state was Big Government. Why, oh why, would the government want to take over a city school district? I thought he wanted more independence?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:46 pm
I vote no.

Imagine all the debt is wiped clean tomorrow. We’ll start digging a new hole because the revenue isn’t sustainable. Even if you could theoretically erase all of the debt, it doesn’t build or fund a quality education system which should be the real and stated goal of our elected officials.

Comment by Sacks Romana Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:48 pm
Too much too soon. Let him finish destroying the state before he destroys the city and its schools.

Comment by up2now Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Rauner has not spoken truthfully since he began his campaign for Governor. Why in the world would we let this man, or his cronies, run a monstrously large and difficult school system. He has NO ability to work with people, or anyone or anything. Threats, lies and inaction - that’s his M.O.

Please make him go away.

Comment by Blazch Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:59 pm
Voted no. CPS is in bad shape, but it’s been in bad shape since the 1970’s. This year’s crisis isn’t any different, and it will work out.
It’s hallucinatory for the Governor to even talk of taking on additional liabilities given the shape he’s put the State in this year.

Comment by northsider Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:04 pm
Voted no based on Rauner’s past performance, which receives an F grade from me. He has no clue about how to enroll people in an idea. You can’t lead without enrollment.

I am annoyed with myself for even taking the time to consider this when it’s clearly another distraction from next week’s SOTS, the FY16 budget, the FY17 budget, college kids dropping out of school due to the state’s (his) broken promises, and the state’s crumbling social service structure.

Comment by Politix Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:06 pm
voted no. We need to clean up our own house before we start cleaning others. When we get a budget, all our bills - including employee health insurance claims - are caught up. then we can revisit. But even then, I refer to FLINT.

Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:11 pm
I voted no. Illinois has its own large problems when it comes money. The prime example is the issue of funding the states pension plans. What CPS needs is to be allowed to increase property taxes by a significant amount. Chicago residents have the lowest property tax rate in Cook County and a major increase will solve many of the issues at the CPS. Only if a large tax increase fails to solve the problems at CPS should other options be explored.

Comment by Hit or Miss Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:22 pm
Are we talking about allowing the State Board, chaired by the education juggernaut James Meeks, to take over an educational institution? Really??? I think NOT.

Comment by Elliott Ness Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 7:00 pm
…Well can it? Voted yes.

Comment by Can it get worse? Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 8:08 pm
Napoleon. Russia. Winter.

The Rauner administration is careening off the walls like the Yemenese bobsled team.

Two weeks ago they wanted to run to the left of the mayor in the mayor on racial issues, as a Healer, and now the last CTU strike wasn’t divisive enough?

It’s not fun to be mocked by Crain’s when you are a Republican governor. It should not make legislative Republicans too thrilled at what they have signed up for.

Bankruptcy is good??

Go knock on a few doors and try to sell that to your constituents.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 8:13 pm
All these no votes offer no solutions.

It is not that Springfield does not have its issues - CPS is in worse shape and major overhaul.

Comment by cannon649 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 8:31 pm
-The Rauner administration is careening off the walls like the Yemenese bobsled team-

I got nothing after that. Kudos, YDD. No vote here.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 8:49 pm
Voted no, but what irony! It’s easy to shake up Springfield, but not so easy to shake up Chicago, which causes most of the problems in Springfield.

Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 8:53 pm
Thanks AA.

I expected Team Rauner to come back from Christmas like an NFL team steaming from the locker room, after making some halftime adjustments.

Instead, they start the second half as if everything is going fine but call a screen pass and a flea-flicker on the opening drive.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:22 pm
WOW! Rauner has not let me down! He has actually surpassed my expectations on how bad he would be. (and I’m a lifelong Republican) WOW!

He’s starting to make Blago look good. He deserves to have the same mailing address.

Comment by Wronger Rauner Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:04 pm
WOW! Rauner has not let me down! He has actually surpassed my expectations on how bad he would be. (and I’m a lifelong Republican)

He’s starting to make Blago look good. He deserves to have the same mailing address.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:05 pm
Even the Tribune editorial board in endorsing the approach admits it is an act of desperation.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 7:01 am