VOTE AGAINST OGDEN/JENNER MERGER

I don't support this merger

I support you

I'm not taking sides just yet but there is evidence for the neighborhood being still quite unsafe: http://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/IL/Chicago/Cabrini-Green-Demographics.html But personally, I am more concerned about the exceptionally poor performance Jenner has been demonstrating: http://schools.chicagotribune.com/school/jenner-elementary-academy-of-the-arts_chicago http://www.greatschools.org/illinois/chicago/1165-Jenner-Elementary-Academy-Of-The-Arts/ http://schoolinfo.cps.edu/schoolprofile/schooldetails.aspx?SchoolId=610012 In general I am not against low-income neighborhoods, I believe those kids are worth a better education as much as our kids. But I am against low-quality education and there is no way a merge with Jenner wouldn't result in lower expectations and standards at Ogden.

I oppose the merger.

I don't support this merger

At this point, this seems like a done deal for Beyer. Currently, at 9:00, is already doing an interview show on the radio with the principal of Jenner. His response email to this was very alarming to the point of being abusive. I do not support Beyer in the least at this point. The other solutions like audit has not been explored either. Also, he noted that the facts on Great Schools was like that of Yelp. We can just look at the test scores from the past five years to know that Jenner is truly under performing. Why doesn't he have the current teachers at Jenner be brought down to discuss or the the police from that neighborhood. What do the current Ogden teachers think about this. After reading his response, the 2012 web critique that was posted about Beyer seemed to be on point in that he seems to just try to strong arm people through bullying.

I don't support the merger.

It is unacceptable to go so far in the process without asking all Ogden parents first. The time that will take this merging to prove a success or a failure will be a lost academic time for my child. The Principal of the school and the staff will be focusing more on administration of the process of merging rather than academic development of the students. A school is a school not a political ramp.

Are there any facts to support point #1 that Jenner is "notoriously unsafe, gang infested neighborhood is dangerous and extremely damaging to their social development?" Could you please provide any non-anecdotal evidence to this? Additionally are there any facts to support point #4 that this merger would result in Ogden losing its IB status? What information are you basing this on? Is there any concrete evidence for these or is it all supposition based on the long held stereotypes of the behavior of residents in low income areas? Please present valid data to support your claims.

Against merger with Jenner school

This merger will result in many currently enrolled children leaving Ogden, the school will be unsafe and quickly lose its great reputation.

I do not approve of the merger

I would like to oppose rushing into a decision to merge Ogden and Jenner.

We want Ogden to be our neighborhood school.

I do not approve of the merger between Ogden and Jenner.

We need alternative proposals. What else could be done? What are the specific issues that we are trying to address? More room at such a cost in academics, safety, school spirit and continuity seems like a poor choice. We need more information.

I am opposed to the proposed merger of Ogden and Jenner.

This would be the downfall of a great school. I expect Ogden would lose its IB stairs took. Chicago's issues are around crime and low quality schools. This would place Ogden into the throws of both. Whoever thought of this idea should be shown the door. I am sure money is at the heart of this issue. Maybe trying to up real-estate in that area. What a shame. Just when we started to trust in something.

I think that there needs to be a more well thought out plan.

I am all about the social development and upliftment of under privilleged kids and families, but it cannot come at the cost of compromising educational and behavioral and safety environments for all the other kids.