Aug 11, 2008 6:08 pm US/Central
School Boycott Plan Gaining Steam
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The planned boycott of the first day of classes at Chicago Public Schools, planned by Rev. and State Sen. James Meeks, has been picking up steam.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports that on Monday, more than 50 West Side ministers pledged their support, a day after Rev. Al Sharpton joined the movement.
There was also a new twist; ministers suggested that students stay home for more than a week if necessary. It's a grassroots solicitation pushed by prominent West Side ministers.
The ministers announced Monday that they've joined forces with Meeks to have CPS students boycott school, not just for a day or a week, but maybe more.
Ministers said they'd like to see the students boycott until state legislators come up with a plan that gives equal funding to all schools.
Right now, funding is based on property taxes and because homeowners in the New Trier School District pay much higher property taxes, the school gets more money. Meeks has asked CPS students to visit New Trier on the first day of classes for CPS and try to enroll in the suburban school district.
"When they go to New Trier and see current books, when they see a computer lab and a beautiful technological center, that's going to expose them and empower them," Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church said.
Student Nykisha Harris said she is convinced it's the right move. "I'm just thinking if y'all trying to help us get more books and air conditioning, maybe I'll stay out for a week or so," Harris said.
But teacher Norman Moore said, "Kids need to be in school so they can get an education."
Moore teaches U.S. history at Marshall High School. He admitted that more funding would help improve student scores, but he said a long boycott would be counterproductive.
"The longer they're out the more it puts our children behind," Moore said.
Parents have been split; while some pledged full support, others were hesitant.
Katherine Smith said, "I don't want (my daughter) to miss any of her education. That first week of school they jam a lot into it for the kids."
Despite the hesitations of some, the ministers were convinced thousands of students would join the boycott.
That boycott is at odds with another major effort. The "Million Father March" aims to make sure kids show up at school on the first day.
The group is reminding parents that school is about to start. The march is organized every year by the Black Star Project. Members said that when fathers get involved, children are more motivated and communities are safer.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Celebrity Watcher: Real Or Fake?
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
