Jonathan Turner is a 20-year old student diagnosed with autism. He's been attending Las Casas Occupational High School for seven years, and in another two, he was planning to graduate. He's taken A.P. Physics, is studying A.P. Biology, and one day hopes to work with computers. First, he has to figure out how to navigate the C.T.A.
However, C.P.S. is planning to shutter Jonathan's school and end the program that could teach him such a basic life skill. Las Casas is on the chopping block at the end of this academic year.
The problem is, it's the only therapeutic high school in the city- catering to kids with emotional disturbances, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.
C.P.S. is citing building deficiences and layout problems as the reasons for the closure. These kids, spokesman Mike Vaughan tells me, could be better served elsewhere. They will either head back to their local school- which they likely left for Las Casas in the first place- or enroll in one of the privately-run programs with which C.P.S. contracts.
Now that could sound O.K. to many, but it certainly doesn't to Jonathan. He doesn't adapt well to change, even if it's only a one or two minute delay during his route to school.
He's worried....as are hundreds of students and parents impacted by C.P.S.'s plans to close, consolidate, phase out or turnaround 21 other schools citywide.
But perhaps Jonathan has special reason to be concerned. He's a special kid.
Should Las Casas students be given special consideration when the Board of Education votes on the issue February 25th?
What do you think of the Board's plans?
Comments (3)
Though this story is sad and aggravating, I have to say, I am really pleased to see a local news organization finally shedding light on a local issue that is completely intolerable. As journalists, you have the ability to bring these realities to the viewers. To motivate change, or at least inspire us to make some. Wasting man hours and resources staking out Drew Peterson's house or harassing Rod Blago's neighbors only further distracts the already bombarded consciousness of the typical television viewer. Who really cares if A-Rod took steroids? Or if Drew Peterson is using you all as puppets? (He is) And Tonya, the only reason anyone is really concerned with the likes of Ann Coulter is because you and "entertainment news" keep her in the limelight. Take advantage of your job and do something worthwhile. Don't pollute our minds with this celebrity "reality tv" nonsense.
Posted by Trevor McKinnon | February 8, 2009 11:03 PM
Posted on February 8, 2009 23:03
Unfortunately the Mayor is as stubborn as they come, and a hundred protest marches or rallies won't motivate him to take an interest in these problems. The most you can hope for out of Daley won't consist of anything more than a bland(safe) soundbite for the media. If all these closings were to directly effect the Olympics coming in 2016 then you would have a Mayor out to help. In the meantime, he's appointed Huberman. His track record speaks for itself.
Posted by tonya squints | February 6, 2009 9:53 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 09:53
Ron Huberman ain't got no business running the schools. Trusting him to run the schools is like trusting mayor Daley to watch your money.
Poeple need this school, but people of color don't always count in Daleys Chicago.
Thank you CLTV for keeping on eye on the powers that be
Posted by Tyrone Rogers | February 5, 2009 3:56 PM
Posted on February 5, 2009 15:56