Aug 12, 2008 5:14 pm US/Central
New Trier Prepares For Boycotting CPS Students
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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New Trier High School in north suburban Winnetka, Ill.
CBS
The planned Chicago public school boycott is forcing New Trier High School to plan for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of protesting students.
As CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports, the north suburb knows it needs a plan for the influx, but they just haven't finalized it yet.
Students at New Trier bought their books Tuesday. Classes start August 21, almost two weeks before Chicago Public Schools begin on September 2, the day hundreds of CPS students are expected to boycott city schools and try to enroll at New Trier.
"I think it'll get people's attention," one student said. "I think it's great that Chicago Public Schools is advocating for better funding."
Another student said, "I think they have a good reason to come, but I still think it's our school and we already have a lot of kids."
New Trier was chosen by boycott organizers because it's one of the wealthiest school districts in the state. The schools here get more money because property owners pay much higher taxes.
Organizers want lawmakers to change the way schools are funded so CPS gets just as much.
'I think the kids should stay in school," said parent Helen Crupp. "I don't think it's sending a good message to children to not stay in school and to boycott for the day."
"I think it's fantastic. This is a great school and everybody should have the opportunity that these kids have and I'm glad they're coming," parent Christie Southern said.
The details of the Chicago visit are still unclear. New Trier administrators say they have lots of questions, like how many buses to expect, what route the buses will take, how the buses will impact traffic in the community, and how the visit disrupt New Trier classes. Those issues and more will be discussed later this week.
"We'll be very welcoming and very supportive. And basically try to accommodate whatever is going to occur," said John Neiweem of New Trier High School.
Administrators say they are talking to boycott organizers and CPS officials to get some answers to their many questions.
One of their main questions is whether Chicago students can legally enroll at New Trier since they don't live in the district.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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