News and Advocacy

On February 10, 2023 House Bill 5285 was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“Women must speak up. Even though sometimes we are in the minority, we know that our voices often lead others through turbulent times. A great leader knows her strengths and uses them to make positive change. I am a voice for women.”

Nearly a year ago, President LaRaviere commissioned research that uncovered the fact that CPS is the most understaffed school district in Illinois. Our president, Troy LaRaviere, worked to raise public awareness of this crisis but the media paid little attention. So he ran for mayor in order to use the platform of the race to bring attention to the issues and concerns that our members have.

On Sunday, services were held for Robert Croston and our brother was laid to rest. His wife sent out a call for people to make short videos about Rob, and we responded with the video below. He left an immense legacy for us to uphold.

Respectfully,
Troy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-DHsA25lvc&feature=emb_title

As you know, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is conducting an inquiry into special education policy at CPS. Last Friday at 1:46 PM, LIz Kirby, CPS Chief of School Strategy and Planning, sent the following email to principals encouraging them to cooperate with the inquiry by sending the attached flyer home with students.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has begun its public inquiry into CPS special education policy.  The inquiry team will collect evidence and testimony on these issues and present its findings to the State Board in a final report. The findings will then be made available to the public.

The ISBE inquiry is focused on four key questions:

  1. Do CPS' documentation and data collection requirements result in unlawful denial or delay in the identification of eligibility or provision of special education and related services to students?