I am an educator and if you are like me, you know there has been a lot of rhetoric taking place over the last few weeks. As always, our work as professionals is taking a back seat to political strategy. It's okay. We have gotten used to this kind of treatment, but that doesn't make it right. I was very frustrated with the Governor's notion that school superintendents are afraid of Speaker Madigan and that is why they support SB1. He is now demanding that SB1 be sent to him by noon on Monday. I think what I really want is to sit in a room with him and tell him how I feel. I think this is what would be said.
Gov. Rauner: I have been an educator for 16 years. There has only been one year that our opening day address from our superintendent or administrators meeting did not include how to save money and do without. Like We Olson Tweeted; my children have went their entire school careers in underfunded schools. This not only includes our school kids but our kids at home too. Ho long is too long for our best investment to be set aside?
Gov. Rauner: Do you know what we have endured to this point? Unfunded mandates, pro-ration of funds and subjection to political strategy have all been the norm in my 16 years. There was a time that we were told our schools didn't amount to anything if we didn't do well on standardized tests. One time we changed the school code and the very nature of our relationships with our teachers in order to capture Race to the Top money because we were so desperate. All together, the face of the Illinois public school has changed so much in this short time.
Gov. Rauner: We have taken it on the chin for a long time and kept being humble public servants for our communities. We had no answers for them and when that becomes exhausting, we have to develop a voice. Vision 20/20 emerged as a voice for schools and many others followed. That collective voice is loud and telling you and the legislature what our communities need. Are you listening to understand or listening to respond politically? There is a difference.
Gov. Rauner: SB1 is a chance to begin again. Even the language you call a "Chicago bailout" is way to start over and do things right. This bill represents the collective wisdom of so many that care about the direction of public schools in Illinois. This bill represents ALL kids. We have in no way declared this a political issue because it kids are not a political issue. They are not a bargaining chip and we are not taking Speaker Madigan's position. The legislature took our position and voted for the best interests of their districts. Join us in starting over and making it right. Don't issue ultimatums and play political chess with such a critical issue.
Gov. Rauner: I am thankful for the countless people that have fought for this. The school administrators, advocacy groups, legislators and parents that have given so much time and effort to see this bill passed deserve a chance. They represent millions of kids that they have never met and those kids deserve a chance. I work in a district that sits in a county that is a leader in the highest unemployment rate in the state. We have a high poverty rate, a high mobility rate and a high rate of truancy. My kids deserve a chance. They don't need your politics.
Gov. Rauner: Sign SB1. Forget about a political win. Forget about your legacy. This bill is about our future. This bill is about bettering our families and communities with fully funded schools for them to attend. It gives us all a chance. Sign SB1.
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