Letters to the Editor | February 2009

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the Gazette’s letters column are those of the letter-writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gazette’s editors. We also reserve the right to edit letters for space.

Dear Editor:

As I look out my window, I see to the left the Andrew Jackson School, on my right the Whitney Young and Skinner Schools. Every morning between 7 and 8 a.m., hundreds of children come up the Blue Line ramp, going to Whitney Young. They come from all over the city. They are rebuilding Skinner School, so those kids are going to a school out north for now. At the last meeting the Skinner officials hailed their kids as little “stars” and it is not open to the community kids.

I’ve noticed that only kids with parents of “clout,” i.e. work at City Hall, have an alderman for a parent, or on the Park District Board have no problem getting into these schools. Since the community pays taxes, our children should have spaces reserved for them in the classical program at Skinner School.

There shouldn’t be any inferior schools. Community children have become the invisible ones, who have no voice. These children have dreams and aspirations, too. They have the right to be able to walk across the street to a neighborhood school.

Yes, as I look out my window, enjoying the wonderful view, I am reminded that out there is a silent community that comes second to elite schools. There are four senior buildings that surround the Whitney Young School, and you would think that they would care enough to have swimming programs for seniors. Unfortunately, elitism is the practice of the Park District, Board of Education, City Hall, etc. — and neighborhood children, as well as seniors, must pay the price.

Speaking of people with no voice, I wonder what will become of the poor Maxwell Street vendors, who are being taxed into obscurity?

Elese Dennard