has to have extra copies of
Other people sitting here right now.
updated.
on the torture. There's plenty of folks in there too. But
this is he. I was here. I was here for a
And didn't know I was gonna be speaking unexpectedly black
girls and women.
Good morning, the committee on education of Child
Development. Now come to order.
Today. There there is a hearing where votes will be taken on
2 minutes for the board of trustee Community College
District. The ordinance number is a 202500015975 princella
gerie, bully, and a 2025 z001.
1561.
I'm not gonna mess up your name. Miss Patterson, I'm I'm
gonna do that for now. Secondly, the 022
The old 2202400008387, quarterly hearings regarding Chicago
public schools. These ordinance have been sent
electronically. We will now do a roll call to establish
core.
Vice chair. Clay.
For all Dominion.
Alderman Hall.
Alderman, bill.
Alderman, Chico.
Alderwoman Lee.
Alderman Quinn.
Alderman Gutierrez.
Alderman. O. Shea
All the person for 1 tests.
Alderman talifero.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman Gardner.
There are 8 members present, we have Quorum presumed to
rule, 59 member alderwoman. Stephanie Coleman has asked to
join remotely. Can I get
So all we we have 9 members present all the woman Rodriguez
Rodriguez, Sanchez is coming in. Um, can I get a motion to
add to allow all the all the woman Coleman to participate
remotely?
All those in favor.
Any opposed.
There are no none member president. At this time, we will
begin the public comment period. This period is limited to
30 minutes out of respect for everybody's time each speak.
Oh, oh oh, I'm sorry, non-member, Alderman, Vasquez.
At this time, we will begin the public comment period. The
period is limited to 30 minutes out of respect for
everybody's time. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes
minutes.
George Blake Moore.
Education is very important. The miseducation of the black
man and the black woman. Well, how did this happen?
The slave mentality.
On the plantation, the white man made a in and we have
fallen a fell in love with our enemies.
several years ago, when this author lady chairman, uh,
I went to her office.
And I was telling the letting her know that.
what I would like for her priority to be when it come as a
committee, uh, person
and as a altar lady,
to not have these meetings at the same time, and at the
same place,
so,
it's still happening.
And I, I can't believe it.
Well, you have to believe something Mr. Blakemore, what
makes a person go against their own family interest?
Money is a motivated and I use the b word. I say, Ellen.
Blakemore, that's my mama. Now, if she's gonna go across
the street and babysit and take care of somebody else. And
her children are over here, not being supervised. I called
her a b word.
That's what I would call my mama.
Because all it begins at home. Why would a person vote for
sanctuary?
What motivates a black person to do to do that.
Why would they do that when they need Sanctuary? Good
service, contracts and job. Maybe it's because of money.
Pay to play.
Maybe it's they sell out. They have a name for our people
that do this ain't your mama's sell out house in.
But they have a name, but Mr. Blakemore you, you should go
to the hospital and take care of your health but don't let
this city hall run, you crazy, it have rain, black people
crazy.
Completely crazy. Maybe not.
Maybe it's money, that motivated. Ellen, Blake more to
neglect her children.
And I use another term say, don't call this lady that.
Well well I'm calling Ellen Blakemore my mama uh be
If she's neglecting her family and taking care of somebody
else's family and she's doing it for money, who's helping
her children, her 5 children. That common sense is not
coming anymore to black people.
Going to get your entry, don't worry about me, Mr.
Blakemore, you'll be dead all of y'all.
Dead.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore, our next speaker is Taiwan Sims.
Crazy. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon committee. Um,
so it's a disturbing Trend that's taking place and I'm not
talking about the violent black team takeovers. That's what
the news, call it
But in education and it's been happening since 2021. But
Long before that.
In 2013, 50 schools were closed in the city of Chicago.
but before,
That we still had the same sit, the same situation
occurring and that's in literacy in our kids.
So now we see a bunch of Angry Young.
Teenagers running in the streets.
Illiterate.
So since 2021 or starting in 2020, we have declined in
reading. So it's at a significant decline in Reading from
23% to 21% to 19%.
And that's not the little kids. Those are high schoolers.
So only 23% of our high schoolers can read at a grade
level, this was in 2000.
Then the number begins to decline.
So in 2023 is 21%.
And as of now, it's 19%.
However, there's this debacle going on with CPS and the
CTU.
Where they keep asking for more money. What we have Pedro
and we have the great collaborator, Brandon Johnson and all
these other individuals asking for money. But there's a 9.9
billion dollar budget.
For schooling.
And these are the numbers.
so I guess in light of the new arrival initiative whereas
we have now ESL English Spanish learning or English
learning
But these are poor people. So we not going to knock them.
They got to come. They got to acclimate.
However, what about the people who were here first?
And so that group of children.
That Community or whatever it is. Y'all try to establish
this prison.
Was school of prison pipeline.
because then when you start reading the numbers on the
third and eighth graders,
And where they at? In their literacy.
They don't even read.
So I guess either we um revert back to hieroglyphics and
start teaching our children with numbers signs and whatnot.
Or we get with it.
Because even with the dissolution of the, um, education
department, we still got a state. We still got a city. We
still got to be parents adults, we still got to consider
the the future of our children or like the gentleman, who
walked in this room and said we either forfeit the future
of our children.
So this is Chicago's responsibility, our responsibility as
adults. Y'all responsibility as our leaders,
Despite the climate, whether whatever is happening in
Washington.
we have to consider our children here in the city, so,
Thank you, Mr. Simmons, there are no more speakers signed
up for public comment. I would like to add Alderman yansi
and Alderman. Tyler Farrow.
For quorum.
Um, our first order of business is to call a motion to
approve, the rule 45.
Can I get a motion?
So, move by chair.
Chairwoman lie. Um, all those in favor. Signify by saying I
All those opposed.
There are none.
Second, we will hear from Princess gerbo Lee.
And coffee. Did I say it, right?
Coffee Morgan.
Knee.
Morani Patterson to ask for the body's favorable
consideration for the appointments to the board of trustee
for the community Community College District.
Uh, Miss Lee.
Okay.
Good morning or good afternoon, um, chairperson Taylor and
members of the committee. My name is princella Geri and I
am a lifelong, chicagoan nonprofit leader, licensed Master,
social worker and a proud product of the chatam community.
I'm here today because I believe in the transformative
power of city colleges of Chicago.
not just as academic institutions, but as engines of equity
Workforce Development and Community advancement, I was
raised on the south side of Chicago by 2, great parents, 1
of which was a Chicago Public Schools teacher who
instilled, in me, a lifelong commitment to learning
service, and to Justice.
The leg that Legacy continues in my own educational
Journey.
I began my academic Journey at the University of Illinois
at Champaign Urbana completely unaware.
Of the incredible value and accessibility offered by the
city colleges of Chicago. Had I known I could have saved
thousands of dollars.
And years of student loan payments. After graduating and
returning back to Chicago, I discovered city colleges and
over the years. Um, for enrolled for various continuing
education courses at Olive Harvey Harold Washington and
Kennedy King. It was here that I found flexibility
affordability and Community Support, that allowed me to
sustain,
And elevate my education. The courses that I took at city
colleges provided me with valuable tools fresh perspectives
and the momentum I needed to advance towards my Graduate
Studies and ultimately my career in education and in social
work.
I went on to obtain, my master's degree from Chicago State
University, graduating Magna kumli, and number 1 in my
class,
The city colleges of Chicago, was 1 of the building blocks
of my academic success.
I'm speaking to serve on the board of city colleges of
Chicago. Because I've experienced the transformation that
these campuses can offer. They are not just classrooms, but
they are Pathways to economic stability, personal growth
and generational impact
I bring over 2 Decades of professional experience at the
intersection of Education Community. Organizing Workforce
Development and financial strategy as the deputy director
of the kimwood, Oakland Community organization. I have
worked with youth.
With families and with, Grassroots leaders to strengthen
educational equity, and Economic Opportunity across the
city of Chicago. I also serve as a business Mentor with
score Chicago. Helping small businesses and nonprofit,
especially those led by women of color.
And women and people of color to build sustainable and
thriving, Futures in every role. That I've held my mission
has remained the same to help people build lives that they
love with education and employment as a Launchpad. If
entrusted with this role, I will bring both lived
experience and strategic Vision to the board. My top 3
priorities include expanding enrollment through strategic
Outreach and Community centered support. I would love to
lead an increase enrollment through intentional Citywide,
Outreach and strategic recruitment, especially within
Chicago Public Schools. This includes establishing a
stronger presence on our high school campuses, expanding,
recruiter capacity, and building stronger pipelines, for
all students, especially black students, um, in the city.
Who continue to face barriers. That impede, their progress,
number 2 to build Pathways to economic Mobility, through
real work opportunities. I would love to Champion, um, the
alignment between academic offerings with real high growth,
economic opportunities from trades and health care to Tech
and green careers. And to do this, I really believe about
expanding the dual enrollment program. Increasing the
number of slots available, each each semester, um, and just
continuing to grow work, study programs, paid internships,
um, and really making stronger, connections with employers
so that students can gain income while progressing towards
degrees and really eliminating Financial obstacles. That
often interrupts their education, lastly Center Student,
Success, and belonging in school, and Beyond credentials,
are just the beginning.
I would love to work to ensure that every student feels
seen supported and empowered to thrive, not just
academically, but holistically. This means deepening
Partnerships with employers, improving Case Management
Services and really embedding culturally relevant
mentorship opportunities.
So in closing city colleges is more than just a system.
It represents a Lifeline a second chance, a springboard and
a bridge to a better life. For many. I am 1 of the lives
that was forever changed by their Outreach, their impact.
And I would be honored to serve as a steward of that Legacy
and vision for its future. Thank you again for the
opportunity.
Miss Patterson.
Good morning, chairwoman Taylor Vice, chairwoman clay and
members of the committee. I am honored to appear before you
today as a candidate for Trustee of the city colleges of
Chicago. My commitment to enhancing educational
opportunities within our city is rooted in both my
professional journey and my personal investment in
Chicago's communities. I was born and raised in High Park
Kenwood area. A proud Alum of Kenwood, Academy spent many
years in the Southshore neighborhood. And recently returned
to Kenwood with my husband brother and 3 children.
These are some of the neighborhoods that have shaped my
understanding of the educational opportunities and
challenges before us, and my drive to ensure that the
resources of CCC, reach every corner of our city.
My doctoral research at the University of Chicago focused
on the college going experiences of Chicago's youth.
Highlighting, systemic, barriers, that persist across our
educational pipelines. This research, This research
continues to inform my current role at the Chicago Urban
League where we are building robust Partnerships with city,
colleges to expand access and success. 1 example is a
recent proposal developed collaboratively with CCC, to
establish a health, education campus, in Washington Park,
an initiative designed to bring opportunity and Workforce
Development to an underserved community.
Previously at the University of Chicago's inclusive,
economy lab, I led the education portfolio where I worked
directly with city, the city college system, to improve
student outcomes. A Cornerstone of that work was the
expansion of the 1 million degree program across the city
college system.
It is particularly impactful because it addressed both
academic and non-academic barriers that often derail
students especially those from historically underserved
communities with city colleges as a key institutional
partner, I alongside colleagues at the inclusive economy
lab to help build the foundation to bring this program to
scale across the system.
Understanding that dated remedial education structures can
stall progress for students of color. I also collaborated
with CCC stakeholders to implement evidence-based placement
policies. These reforms reduce the number of students
placed in non-credit bearing courses, allowing more under
resourced students to move more efficiently toward
completing their degrees.
Earlier in my career at Chicago Scholars. I also designed
Pathways to support students transitioning from 2 to 4 year
institutions, with a focus on eliminating friction points
and transfer and retention.
I have also worked to elevate the perception of city
colleges academic rigor advocating. For elite institutions,
like the University of Chicago, to recognize, and accept
city college credits, an essential step toward equity and
higher education.
Serving as a trustee would allow me to bring these
experiences to bear and continued service to the students
and families of Chicago. I'm committed to championing, bold
Equitable and student centered policies. And collaboration
with this body, the CCC, leadership, team, and the
communities we serve. Thank you for considering my
candidacy. Candidacy, I look forward to working with you to
ensure that city colleges remain a powerful engine and
mobility and transformation for all Chicagoans.
Thank you, questions from members.
Uh, alderwoman Arias.
Thank you so much.
Right now.
Can you hear me? Yes.
Um,
it is um I I feel very proud to have in front of me to um
um, incredibly accomplished prepared, women, uh, willing to
take on, um, this task. I do want to ground Us in the
that we are living right now and I want to ask both of you.
Um, a question about
How you?
Will face.
The threats that we are currently experiencing particularly
for educational institutions. We are, um, at a moment when
professors are being detained for their beliefs, students
are scared of writing papers
um,
many academic institutions are collaborating with the
federal government in handing, in, in very sensitive
information about students, people are really scared and
that Eros, the very fabric of democracy, right? And our
ideals of free speech, um, and our possibility of of, um,
Advancing knowledge, uh, research investigation.
Um, so I I would like to hear from you. How do you plan to
face this moment? Protect, um,
Educators and students and Community, um, from the role
that you are aiming to take
Happy to offer a little bit and then, um, J. Absolutely
join in. I think, um, what's happening now is coming from
all directions? Um, it is a financial consideration, it's
absolutely to your point. Um, whether students even feel
comfortable coming to a campus? Like it it sort of is at
every level.
In my role at the Chicago Urban League, I still partner
with the University of Chicago. So I've had really good
conversations about how they are for example as an entity
protecting their faculty and students, um, and that has
given me the ability to protect people at the Chicago Urban
League and and everyone who uses it. So um, I feel very
blessed to sort of be in constant conversation with the
institutions like the University of Chicago. Um, I think I
love to see when campuses come together. I think when the
campuses obviously city colleges but also you know,
chancellors how I got on conversation with Paul, all of a
sados with Z, Scott at Chicago State. I think, uh, the more
that these institutions come together. That's right, have
conversations. See that there's not much different In This
Moment between a University of Chicago and a Chicago State.
I think we do better to protect faculty families and
students um but you're right it is an unprecedented moment
that will require
Or sort of thinking from all sort of angles.
Yes, um, thank you for that. And I'm glad that you're going
to be able to share that expertise. I think that we're
used, unfortunately of being various attacks, you know they
look different. So, we're, we're always ready to
work together to figure out what does our response need to
be? And I think this is definitely another opportunity for
it's a moment for that. It's not an individual. How are we?
It's, how are we?
so I definitely feel like this is an opportunity for us to
figure out how do we work together with other institution,
educational institutions, other cities, other states like
there's a variety of different strategies that folks are
using all across the state in this, I mean, across the
country, in this moment. How can we learn from some of
those best practices to really be able to arm and protect,
you know, our, our city, our students, our Educators. And
so I definitely feel like it's not an individual response.
It is a, what is our systemic response to what's happening
so that we can better decide how we show up in this moment.
For sure. And I
I I would never put in solely on you, but
what I have been observing is that sometimes it just takes
1 actor.
To decide and choose that they are going to stand in the
fence of free speech in the fence of freedom of Education,
right? Um and and I I'm just looking for that commitment.
Yes. I guess.
Definitely, thank you.
Um, I got a question, why?
Yeah, y'all seem to have
Other jobs and other things to do. Why this?
sure, it's gonna be honest, we are, we are in to all the
women, uh, Rodriguez's point, we are in crazy times, and it
ain't like, y'all ain't busy already. So why you want to go
first? Yeah, I mean.
Yes, we are. I'm busy times. I think that's when we need to
Show up even more, I remember as an organization during Co,
um, and everything was closing.
And we decided that we could not close.
we had food pantry, Emergency Services, all these things
and it's like everybody is Running Scared, but the reality
is, this is when our people need us the most
So how can we even consider? You know? I'm just going to
hold back for the next 4 years. What we have an opportunity
to be able to change the future based on what we do now.
So yes, I I am, you know, excited about the opportunity at
this moment, but again, as I stated in my statement, I'm a
beneficiary.
Of that. And so I'm a beneficiary. Once city colleges was a
building block towards my success, so how can we make sure
that it's a building block for others?
That their lives can be changed, like, not only their
lives, their families lives, but the ripple effect of what
they were able to accomplish as a result. And so I'm a
living witness of that but there's so many others. So what
can we do to make sure that we're able to?
Create a safe space.
For folks, to be able to use this as a way for us, to get
closer to changing, you know, a piece of the world person
to person.
Thank you. Um I would just add that, you know, my career
largely focused on the power of 4 year institutions, um,
publicly but privately I've raised my brother who has
autism. He's 30 years old and so it's made me acutely aware
that for various reasons for your colleges aren't the
desire or the possibility for everyone. So, for me, it's
deeply personal and thinking about raising my brother and
the opportunities that he would have in a 2 year space that
he frankly wouldn't have in a 4 year space. Um, education.
For me also represents a microcosm of the world, you know,
in a, in a college, you can
You'll have people um experiencing homelessness. You'll sort
of all these things are out in the world, that's happening
in an education little space. So that epicenter of that,
inter intersectionality of issues is very deeply personal,
um, and of interest to me, uh, and then just lastly, and
very selfishly. When I was a child, my mother used to force
me to go to Kennedy King on Friday nights for these African
dance classes. I hated
Them. I'm so grateful. She made me do that. This was the
old campus um, because I met incredible and this was when I
was like 8 years old. But I have that memory has stayed
with me. I think it was free for her, so also just
benefiting and seeing the power of what's inside of city.
Colleges is deeply personal for me.
Thank you both for that. Any other questions from the
committee?
Oh, for purposes of the Quorum. I want to acknowledge all
the woman Gutierrez as president for Quorum. We will now
take a roll call vote for the disappointment for these
appointments, um, all the women clay.
All the media and see, he walked out.
Okay, I was just told I'm supposed to do 1 appointment at
the time. So we're going to go with Miss Lee first. So all
the woman clay,
Alderman, Hall. Stepped out. I don't remember Alderman,
Chico.
Alderman. Lee.
Alderman Quinn.
All the woman. Good Tiaras.
All the woman called me.
Yes.
All the person for Wentz.
Alderman talifero.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman, Gardiner.
The eyes have it.
Congratulations. Miss Lee. Um,
Do that 1 more time for.
Uh, Miss Patterson uh chair. Vice chair clay. I
brought them in Chico.
All the woman lie.
Alderman, Queen.
All the woman Gutierrez.
All the woman, uh, Coleman.
I,
All the per person for Wentz.
Alderman talifero.
I don't want to go, uh, Rodriguez.
Alderman Gardner.
The eyes have it.
Thank you, Miss Patterson.
I would just like to say to both of you. Um thank you for
taking on this task. Um we're in some crazy times now which
which is why I asked the first question though. Why, why
would you want to do this in this time? But we need people
who not only understand our city colleges, but also our
willing to help. Our city college is making it the city of
Chicago's. Our citizens is First Choice. Um, I love that
young people go out of state and go to other cities, to go
to college. But a lot of times if you ask young people,
what are the reason why they don't go to college the number
1 thing, they say, is because they can't afford it. And if
they go to city colleges, they actually cling in because
it's a benefit of being a citizen and living around these
institutions. And so I look forward to working with you
all. Thank you all for your work and you all may
may lead. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you.
The last order of business will be discussing and voting on
The ordinance on a quarterly hearing regarding the Chicago
Public Schools. I will now allow non-member, Alderman,
Andre Vasquez to speak on this matter.
Thank you very much, chairwoman. And thank you members of
uh, the committee. Um, so uh, the ordinance which uh, we
introduced
I think about a year ago now. That is also uh gone through
some changes. Um,
Uh, is a substitute that's being presented before you all.
Um,
I'm a product of Chicago public schools and I, I went
through.
About 4 or 5 different Public Schools due to the effects of
gentrification. And the associated displacement.
Uh, not always discipline. I think they did. Okay, thank
you for that sir.
Yeah.
Exercises self-control. Definitely, uh, got a check on that
report card but um in thinking about really have
fundamental, our education system is uh and and looking in
uh models that we've done as far as legislation related to
other City agencies. So um, in the beginning of this term,
we passed 1 calling for a quarterly hearings uh, from CTA
to try to get an understanding of where things are, what
things are going? Well what matters are coming? Uh before
the agency, what concerns we might have uh postco um we
were able to get that passed and had what I think. We're
really productive conversations with, uh, you know, former
president, uh, Dorval Carter. Uh, similarly, uh,
legislation for the same level of accountability for the
Chicago Housing Authority has passed. And that's happening
in the housing committee. So, what we're looking to do with
this ordinance is to do the same for CPS that when we think
about.
How things are going? Uh, what things are going well? How
things can be improved that we have those conversations on
a quarterly basis. Um, I think what we saw um, related to
some of the conversations as far as pension, debt payments,
uh, the cities entanglements and uh proposed
disentanglement with CPS that having those kind of
conversations are important. So that it's not just the back
and forth and the headlines, but that we're having a
platform to have serious substantive conversations related
to what's going on. Uh, in regards to the finances, what
can we do to make sure we're supporting our schools? What
challenges are they seeing? And also what things are going
well? So this would um, require the uh, CPS the officials
at CPS. So not the board of education is their elected
officials, but the board of CPS and the CEO to come before
the committee on education, um, quarterly at the behest of
the chairwoman. So, um, what it
Also adds is a little bit of teeth to the ordinance, just
as the CTA 1 did where um if the body does not come before
the, uh, committee as requested. Um, certain things related
to City funds would not move forward, right? So that is the
1 that would compel them to, but in conversations with CPS
that we've had, they're open to having these conversations.
This isn't a contentious conversation. Um, we also spoke to
the Johnson Administration and what you see in the
substitute.
That was shared with you all, reflects conversations. We've
had with them and the agreement we've found for something
that can be forward, move forward and be supported. So, um,
we would ask for uh the favorable consideration of this
committee as far as ordinance so we can begin. Those
quarterly hearings as we kind of move forward in a way that
leads to more accountability more transparency and what I
believe to be better government. So uh, thank you so much.
so, we are going to
Any questions from the committee?
Before we go to Jamal Chambers.
So I I need to make the motion about the substitute, right?
That
okay.
So, I want to make a motion that we accept. The substitute
ordinance, can I get a motion? Um, some moved by Alderman
talifero. All those in favor, signify by saying, I
There are none opposed. All right. So we're going to go
before we go to questions. We're going to go to Jamal
Chambers J. What is your official title? I forget it. Um,
yes, for the record, Jamal Chambers city council liaison
for Chicago Public Schools.
Thank you, Jamal, you may proceed. Yes. Um, thank you. Good
morning. All the women Taylor, chairwoman Taylor Vice chair
MLA members of the Community Education. Um, thank you for
creating a space for us to discuss this ordinance. Um, I
spoke with our team and CPS and we are not opposed to the
ordinance per se, I think the only issue that we have um,
on the CPS aspect is the line item that talks about
withholding, um, the city funds in the event that CPS
doesn't, um, attend, um, scheduled, um, education hearing,
um, as you all know, um, this past January, CPS transition
to a hybrid like the school board, um, and we are currently
in the process of um, disentangling and also from the city
of Chicago and the 2027, we will eventually transition to a
fully elected School Board. Um, subsequently we will no
longer be considered as a assistant agency. Um, so it is
position of CPS that, we believe that, um, we should not
have that requirement, um, of, or the risk of us being
withheld from City funds. Um, if not, um, appearing, before
education, Committee hearing, uh, I would say that in this,
um,
current Administration since you've been serving them and
all the women Taylor, I think we've had 5 or 6, um,
scheduled, um, hearings and all of which CPS has attended,
um, pre prior to, uh, or before attending a hearing, uh,
there is a prep call between my team in, in the government
Affairs. CPS the Mary's IG team as well as education
committee team where we kind of co-create in the line on
what is expected. Um, at the upcoming hearing and from
that, um, prep, we then meet internally with CPS identify
who is the, uh, most, um, um, I guess prepare
person to, um, attend that hearing, um, and I think last
year in October KO Martinez was actually the first CEO,
they actually attended education hearing, um, because we
found that based on that prep session that it made sense
for him to, um, to attend. Um, so in all, I mean, we are
open to always having, um, conversations and partnering
with our city, um, city council Partners to ensure that
we're advocating and bringing in resources to support and
expand and improve the educational experiences for our
students across the district. Um, but our position here is
that, you know, the fact that we are disentangling from the
city, and that we would be a fully elected School Board.
Um, we would just like to see that line item um, stricken
from the stricken from the ordinance, um, or the
recommendation would be to have the ordinance read up until
2027 once CPS become fully elected. Um, thank you
so,
You want to go under you or you want me to go. So,
I'm I'm going to kind of speak.
For not just the 20th Ward. But for what the relationship
with Chicago public schools has been with the city of
Chicago, we have really no Financial standing over Chicago
Public Schools. You all get no money from us. But in that
same breath, where the same city council members, they use
Tiff and other funding to make sure things happen. Um,
prior to this Administration, uh, CEO Martinez refused,
To me with the city council, when asked this Council still
does not have any answers on what happened during Co how
any of those dollars were spent. And so this was put in
place to say no matter who is a Chicago public school that
you all come to the city council. And while I'm going to
always protect and fight for young people in my community,
it's really unfair and it makes no sense for CPS not to
want to talk to the people who will honestly be going to
Springfield and to DC whatever happens to make sure that
you all get the funding you need. And so this is not the
city of Chicago versus CPS but this is a way of saying, no
matter who sits on the fifth floor.
Chicago Public Schools should be sitting with us quarterly
and not to say. I I am not, I do not see in the future. I
don't got no Psychic Friends, any of that, but we got to
have things in place.
That make sure Chicago Public Schools meet with us and so
why? I understand how Chicago Public School. Feel know that
we have a responsibility to the constituents and the young
people in our community to say, hey we we're doing our
best. We're fighting together to make sure that Chicago
Public Schools gets the funding. We need, we know Chicago
is not funded like other cities. We we know they're not
we're we're the biggest municipality in the state of
Illinois and get the least amount of funding.
And that's in your books. That's that's not all the 1 to
talk a point. That's just what it is. And so for a district
299, who's never had an elected School Board who now has 1
and I think that every other school district has an elected
School Board, we were the last and why? Because the the
color of the students, we, we serve, let's be honest. And
so, while I understand that is cps's concern, Our concern
is no matter who sits in our seats and who sits on the
floor, there's a conversation in that we work together.
Automate Vasquez.
Thank you very much, Madam chair. Um, I really do play.
Appreciate Mr. Edwards points, um,
Yeah, I I think it's it's currently sorry. Sorry Chambers,
my apologies. It's not good slipping over here. Um, I I I
appreciate the points and I I really do think to what the
chairwoman is saying.
It's not necessarily about the current iteration and the
current people that are on the board of the current CEO.
current mayor current Council. I think a lot of times when
we draft legislation, I believe, I'll speak for myself, we
have to prepare for worst case scenarios right. And what's
the scenario? Look like where you've got a CEO. Says, I
refuse to meet. Uh, then if there aren't any teeth or
accountability on the other side of the equation,
This legislation has no weight at all? Right, somebody
wouldn't show up so I think that's really the only lever
there for that purpose. But again we had similar with CTA
we never ended up using anything like that because
ultimately, it was
different programmatic projects across the district. Um and
as long as we have all the people and I hope that all all
all the people care about young people and care about our
educational institutions that there needs to be a process
of transparency. Um, interconnectedness and a moral
obligation to do, what's right for young people and coming
before this body for public hearings. Quarterly is just 1
tool and that tool box, uh, to be quite Frank. I, you know,
there are other things that need to be put in place. This
is not the end all, be all for how we ensure transparency
across the district. I think that this is the start. Um,
and so I am fully in favor of this ordinance. Thank you,
chairwoman,
Thank you, madam chair. Um, Jamal first I I think you do a
really nice job with CPS and and you shouldn't look at this
from a personal standpoint. I think you do a really, really
nice job, you're incredibly accessible. Um but
Building on what all their cuentas said, um, as long as CPS
is going to continue to come to this body for Tiff.
There needs to be a back and forth relationship and I don't
think it's just limited to Tiff. I I know a lot of altars
going to menu to support CPS, so I wouldn't take it
personal. Um,
These are difficult times. Um and frankly I'm I'm a little
disappointed that CPS would ask for a car out.
Um, with with that said, I I do support all their Vasquez
is is um ordinance in its current form. Thank you, madam
chair.
Ottoman Lee.
Thank you, madam chair. Um, Jamal thank you for being here
and uh, for providing some feedback from CPS. Um um I am in
support of this, uh, ordinance as it's written. Um, and not
not to belabor the points that all of my colleagues have
already made. Um, this is going to Long live past all of us
here. Um, I think fundamentally part of the problem.
With city government with sister agencies. Uh, and with
the, the citizens of Chicago is that there's a lack of
trust and it's not without good reason, um, and I'm saying
that on both sides. I'm not just trying to point the finger
at 1 at 1 side here. I think that this, um, is a step in
the direction of really wanting to provide transparency and
and, um, more accountability as we're disentangling
ourselves too. I think now's going to be even more
important than before.
Given there's so many unknowns, um, as as we're facing at
what we do know, is that everybody's on this fiscal cliff?
Uh, and we've got a we've got to do whatever we can to work
work together. Um, and I think, the more willing we are to
do that in a public forum. Uh, the more trust we're going
to build, um, because we're going to be able to be honest
with the people of the city of Chicago. Um, and I I think
that's probably the the most important outcome of this, uh,
will be to, to build trust and, and transparency, and
honesty for all parties involved. Um, and, uh,
We're all talking about Tif funds aren't going anywhere,
um, and no matter what the disentanglement is going to be,
that's still going to be the case. I think, um, for
for as long as we have tiffs, uh, as available funds to use
to support, um, school projects, and we're in this
together, we absolutely are because the schools are in our
communities. We want to be able to help the schools in our
communities, through the funds that are available, but
we've got to have, uh, you know, we've got to have the good
working relationships, um, and that's got to extend towards
the, the public sphere. Um, and I 100% agree with the
alderman Quinn. You are amazing. You are completely
accessible. Um, and there's there's never a question that
when we have questions about CPS that you aren't going to
be able to respond to those quickly. Um, and with that, I
yield my time back. Thank you.
For purposes of Quorum. I want to add Alderman, OSHA to the
corn. Um, we're going to end with Alderman Vasquez.
It's, it's already.
Yeah, I think I think to
I think we've kind of made our our our Point here. Again,
it is about making sure we have a transparent relationship
and so I appreciate that. We're having this engagement. I
appreciate that. We got to this point where we can pass it
and so um,
Uh, again I would ask for the favorable consideration of
this committee. Um,
I don't know if I can move because I'm not a member. Can I?
I take a roll call? I'm gonna take. Yeah, I think somebody
else would need to move it um but yeah that's the support.
Thank you.
We gonna take a roll call vote. Yeah, we can just gonna
take a roll call vote. Just Madam chair. I'm online as
well.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Alderman Hall.
Oh, okay.
Alderman Hall to the the role um and pursuant to rule 59.
Um, we want anybody, any more questions from the committee
or we take roll, call vote, Vice chair, clay.
Alderman.
Alderman Hall.
Yay.
Alderman Chico, all the woman lie. Yes, Alderman Quinn. Hi
alderwoman. Gutierrez alderwoman Coleman.
I,
Alderman. OSHA
Alderman for 1 Test.
Alderman talifero.
Alderwoman Roberts.
Alderman Garner.
and all the woman teller is, I
Um, this motion passes.
um,
I miss what I'm supposed to say the eyes. Oh, I'm sorry.
The eyes have. I'm sorry. I'm looking at this paper and I
got my glasses on.
Yeah.
Um,
2 366.
I was count.
789 134 156 617. We have 17. Yay. Zero Nays.
um,
I want to make a motion for us to adjourn. So, moved by
several members, all those in favor. Yes.
Oh, okay.
Yeah, for the appointments for both. Okay. Okay. Yes the
meeting for the committee on education and child
development is now John.