|
For more information contact:
Anitra Schulte
CPS Office of Communications
Telephone: 773.553.1620
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2007
4,000 CPS Students to Participate in Historic Springfield Civics Lesson
Young voices to be heard on school funding reform
Chicago Public Schools is launching a voluntary civics lesson that could bring more than 4,000 high school students to Springfield on May 2 to participate in a school funding reform rally, sponsored by a coalition of education advocacy groups and education unions.
A letter from CPS Chief Executive Officer Arne Duncan to high school principals went out last week inviting high schools to send juniors and seniors from social studies and government classes to the rally. More than a dozen schools have already confirmed. Many parents and community groups also are expected to attend.
“This is a historic opportunity for Illinois,” Duncan said. “Our students should lend their voices to this important cause and help make history. When funding reforms pass, these young people can say they were part of it, and they will remember this day forever.”
Lawmakers in Springfield currently are debating a variety of proposals that could result in more state money for education, lower property taxes and financial and academic reforms to improve both learning and budgeting efficiency.
Mayor Richard M. Daley has outlined his goals for funding reform, including guaranteed yearly increases for both operating and capital, greater accountability, and the greatest relief for property taxpayers through new or added statewide taxes that impose the smallest financial burden on working families.
Duncan will speak at the rally, along with educators and community leaders from across Illinois. CPS also is sending a color guard and a marching band.
“The governor and legislators are all committed to doing the right thing by children and supporting education funding reform,” Duncan said. “We want to support their efforts and applaud them for having the courage to take on this challenge.”
For more information on how to participate in the rally, go to the Chicago Public Schools website at http://www.cps.k12.il.us
-30-
|
