I mentioned in my first post that CPS was beginning to go through an immense restructuring process. Over the last few weeks those changes have started to be implemented. The tension leading up to the announcement was clear throughout the parts of CPS I connect with on a regular basis. The Area teams (now Networks) were aware the changes would likely impact them immediately, LSC representatives would be impacted by whatever changes happened to the Area teams, and central staff knew that the organizational structure of the central office was going to drastically change. In addition to the structural changes that were coming, tension over the new budget was also prevalent—what would be cut and what would be saved. With a budget shortfall of nearly $712 million and all of the 55,000 neighborhood high school students and over 100,000 elementary students in underperforming schools—something had to change.
So here’s what happened.
CPS announced they will drive change through five levers:
- High Performing Schools
- Effective, Supported Teachers
- Empowered, Accountable Principals
- Active partnership with parents & communities
- Full Organization Support
Part of my work this summer was developing a leadership development program within Area 4. It was exciting to see the district look to build a pipeline of great principals on a larger scale. I do believe that the Networks (formerly Area’s) development programs with District wide efforts will produce a more robust pool of talented leaders.
CPS also announced a new budget proposal .The budget makes several difficult cuts, but CPS stated they made every effort to make those cuts as far away from the kids in the classroom. CEO Jean-Claude Brizard emailed CPS staff to say:
“This is a budget that I can proudly say will protect our priorities, make new investments in students, cut waste and inefficiencies, help support our school leaders and close the significant budget deficit facing our district.”
On top of all these changes, school started on Monday (8/8) for many students. With all of the changes happening as students come back, everyone at CPS will have to maintain laser like focus to get everything accomplished. That focus will need to be maintained in perpetuity to change the current <55% graduation rate.
