A time-worn phrase has dominated Chicago’s education scene for the past decade — “fully fund neighborhood schools.” Yet it hasn’t translated into policy.
Former Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said it in her fiery speeches. Parents shout it when fighting the closure of an unprecedented 50 public schools. Community groups chant it when schools face budget cuts.
Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson is declaring it from City Hall’s fifth floor. But he now represents the progressive education movement’s first chance at following through with those demands.
.
