Arr, news be arrivin' that the Chicago Board o' Education be lookin' to give the boot to the scurvy police from the schools this year, says the scuttlebutt!
2024-01-05
Arrr, the scurvy knaves at the Chicago Board o' Education be aimin' to take away the power o' local councils to have those fine officers of the law guardin' our schools. And not only that, they plan to banish the officers from the premises! Blimey, what be their grand scheme, I wonder?
The Chicago Board of Education is reportedly considering removing police officers from schools in the upcoming academic year. Alderman Nicholas Sposato revealed that sources within the school system informed him that the board may decide not to renew their contract with the city for police officers. This decision would strip Local School Councils of their power to choose whether or not to have school resource officers (SROs) at their schools. The board would then proceed to remove all officers from school grounds. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on safety, with Taft High School Principal Mark Grishaber stating that surveys show significant support for police officers in schools. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who initially condemned armed officers in schools, later approved Local School Councils voting on the presence of police officers. The Chicago Teachers Union has advocated for the removal of police officers from schools, arguing that the funds could be better used for restorative justice coordinators, social workers, nurses, trauma supports, and other critical programs. The Illinois Policy Institute has criticized the move, claiming that it takes away local control from each school's community members who understand the specific needs and environment of their schools. The Chicago Board of Education has not yet responded to requests for comment.