U-46 Class Action Lawsuit

Here’s an article about a class action lawsuit against school district U-46 in which plaintiffs argue that minorities receive an inferior education, are bussed more, and more likely to be in overcrowded schools. Here is a letter to the editor from residents who helped redraw the school boundaries and call the suit “idiotic.” They talk about how careful they were trying to not discriminate when redrawing the boundaries by balancing the overcrowding/busing issues. Basically, if students are bussed it is to avoid overcrowding of the nearest school. If they are in an overcrowded school, it’s a result of trying avoid busing kids to another neighborhood.

This is a very interesting suit. I can see how the people who redraw the lines would be frustrated. At the same time, it doesn’t matter how pure their intent was. If the system-wide situation is that minorities have lower quality education, the intentions and efforts of the people who drew the boundaries is largely irrelevant. Even though the boundaries are being focused on, it’s more of a money issue than a boundary issue. If neighborhood schools had the money to expand, there wouldn’t be the busing vs. overcrowding issue.

If the policy research I’ve read is correct, minorities receiving the shaft in public education is a nationwide problem in almost every urban area. This could really end up being a landmark case. I’m trying to envision what the best result would be. If the problems are with poorer neighborhood schools, the answer would be putting more money into those schools–making them larger, hiring more staff, etc.–so they are no longer overcrowded and can handle all students living nearby which eliminates the need for busing.

Anything involving money is easier said than done. There is a limited amount of money, so money going to poorer neighborhood schools is money not going to other schools, which would probably receive quite the objection from more affluent (and influential) parents.

I’m sure the district isn’t excited about having to deal with the costs and hassle of a lawsuit, as well as the negative publicity. At the same time, maybe this will end up making history. This suit could push U-46 to develop more equitable policies that end up becoming a blueprint for public school districts everywhere. It will be interesting to watch this unfold and see if national education reform starts right in our own backyard.

Tags: busing, class action, discrimination, education, Elgin, IL, Illinois, law suit, minorities, neighborhood schools, overcrowding, public schools, schools, U-46
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StoryTube!

Now this is just awesome. Elgin kids in grades 1-6 that are served by Gail Borden Library can submit videos inspired by their favorite books to Youtube to be entered into a contest. The competition is between us and four other public libraries across the country. The winner will receive $500 in books for herself and $1,000 to go to her school or library.

So far there is one entry. Check it out!

I would’ve been all over this when I was a kid! My one hope is that Gail Borden can provide a video camera for the students whose families do not own one. It’s not the highest quality, but I will offer the use of my digital camera’s video capabilities if there are any kids out there reading this who need it.

If you know any children in the area, spread the word about this contest! And throughout the rest of the month, keep searching “Story Tube” on Youtube in order to find the video entries as they come in. This is such a great way to encourage both reading and the use of new technologies.

Tags: Books, competition, contest, Elgin, Gail Borden Library, Illinois, public library, public schools, reading, StoryTube, youtube
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