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Brophus's avatar

Jeff, do you happen to know or have you crossed paths with Bob "Muz" Muzikowski, founder of Chicago Hope Academy on the West Side? Seems like someone you might know. School choice would play right into what Muz is hoping to accomplish.

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BillD's avatar

First, I'm 100% for school choice. But I think it ends up having less impact than one would hope, at least in the short term. Polls show that most people like their public schools. Think many people are going to abandon New Trier when part of the reason to move to the North Shore is the school?

Some current Chicago Public School information. There really are lots of good neighborhood elementary schools. This is different from when your kids were young. These schools were built up by parents in those neighborhoods starting in the 1990s. Many good high schools too. The issue is that these good schools all exist in a dysfunctional system. During the recent CTU work stoppages polls showed that most people supported the union. Including those in the wealthier neighborhoods. I have a kid going to high school next year. We're going private for a few reasons, but academics are not high on that list. A moderate driver is the high probability that the CTU will go on strike again as their new leadership is as militant and nuts as the previous group.

And then look at the private options. I think you said previously that your kids went to Parker. I'm pretty sure you can't find a more "progressive" school around. It's what the most "socially conscious" wealthy parents want. And that's true of the vast majority of private schools in the city. Parochial schools are a bit better, but even they're trending towards "progressive".

I support competition and I think it's part of making schools better. But there's a whole lot more to do to make schools better than just put out more options that are mostly similar to the existing options.

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