Monday, April 20, 2009

Scream!!!!


I look at Peoria Chronicle and I refuse to be pulled into the never ending discussions about all that is wrong with District 150 - every little intricacy - from self proclaimed experts. From an outsider looking in, it looks like people are arguing about it just because they can.

Our children deserve better schools - it is past time. Oh yeah, the nostalgia from Woodruff is so special. Really? I went to Woodruff, all of my siblings went to Woodruff, some of our off spring attend Woodruff - not one of us could not care any less if they were to make it a birth - 12 (or whatever) community center. Please just do it already and get it over with.

Hopefully the Board will not back down this time because some hell raisers are standing outside protesting schools, when they need to be protesting down in front of City Hall. These people about pee their pants every time they talk about making schools better South of War Memorial. What is this argument about really? That same damn 800 lb gorilla - that's what. Let me break it down for you:

Nobody is complaining about the $20 million Charter School that will be opening in 2010; nobody is complaining about all the money that goes to Washington Gifted School; and nobody is complaining about construction projects happening in the schools North of War Memorial. Oh, nobody said anything about that? Well here is what District 150 already has under way North of War Memorial:

From 150.org:
While not new site construction, a $12.5 million dollar project has been approved for the Richwoods attendance area. Bonds have been issued for the projects and contracts will soon, if not already, be awarded for all four locations. Northmoor-Edison Primary, Kellar Primary, Lindbergh Middle and Richwoods High will all get additions and renovations to their current properties.

Richwoods High School plans include: interior and exterior window replacement; update security system; connecting hallway; three classroom addition. Funding for the project comes from the PBC at $4,900,000.

Lindbergh Middle School plans include: a three classroom addition with one media center; new restrooms. Funding for the project comes from the PBC at $1,930,000.

Northmoor Edison Primary School plans include: new cafeteria / multi-purpose room; new secure main entry; faculty development area. Funding for the project comes from the PBC at $2,110,000.

Kellar Primary School plans include: a four classroom addition; remodel of existing area to conference room and open office space. Funding for the project comes from the PBC at $2,130,000.

What's really rich is how these people have already floated using the 800 lb gorilla hoping it will help them keep inner city kids in substandard schools (yes, one of the leaders have already mentioned the race card). I guess they figure since the NAACP or nobody else is using it - why not?

But you know what - I want to go on record - I'm holding a race card too. I say inner city kids deserve better schools and if the schools they are currently in are so bad - build them new. I say inner city parents who have elected to live in Peoria (myself and many others) and are concerned about a better education, deserve to have a better choice.

Personally, I am looking forward to the MST Charter School, I happen to have an exceptional child who would benefit from that type of environment. Anybody who would be opposed to better schools South of War Memorial, I have to look at you sideways and question what is your true motivation? What you want puts my child and my neighborhood at a distinct disadvantage. Do you even care?