The Best of Broadway for Haiti

This was posted on the Berwyn CARES Facebook page. This is a great opportunity to support arts in education, Berwyn schools, and the good people of Haiti. Hope to see some familiar faces there!

Lincoln Middle School Presents

"The Best of Broadway for Haiti"

A two hour concert and play performance

to benefit The Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti

April 27, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Admission: $5.00

Morton Chooses New Superintendent

At the April 14th School Board Meeting, the Board of Education announced that Dr. Michael Kuzniewski will be the new superintendent of Morton High School District 201. Mr. Clyde Senters has been acting as interim superintendent since Dr. Nowakowski left the district about 2 years ago. Dr. Kuzniewski has served the district since 2008 as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Grants. Prior to coming to District 201, Dr. Kuzniewski worked as an administrator for Rockford District 205. The choice marks the end of a 2 year vacancy in our district, which faces tremendous financial and academic challenges. District 201 recently announced the lay-offs of about 180 teachers due to the cutting of programs, decreasing the number of credits required for graduation and the elimination of the "Prairie State" program which required a lower student-teacher ratio for struggling students.

Dr. Kuzniewski will have his work cut out for him as our district strives to increase academic achievement and balance a budget that has routinely reported a yearly deficit, last year of about 2 million dollars. Only about 32% of Morton West students tested met state academic standards. Morton West students score an average ACT score of 18 compared to the state's average of 20.

In a press release by the district, School Board President Jeff Pesek said, "I, along with the entire Board of Education, look forward to working with Dr. Kuzniewski as we strive to provide each and every child in our charge with the best education possible."

Teachers Let Go, Meeting Tonight to Discuss 201 Cuts.

There will be a District 201 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 pm at Morton East High School (2423 S. Austin Blvd...park one block east of Austin). Please attend the meeting in support of quality public education for the children of Berwyn. Yesterday over 200 teachers were given pink slips. The budget cuts specified will likely increase drop-out rates and limit the chances for college acceptance. Berwyn CARES wishes to partner with the District 201 Board of Education to establish an advisory committee to address educational and financial deficiencies. Please attend to support the students of Berwyn and to signal a willingness by our community to engage in real educational reform. Together we CAN make a difference.

Be Heard!

Last week, District 201 announced severe budget cuts that will significantly impact the quality of education in our community. Cuts include laying off teachers, reducing classes/credits required for graduation, increasing class size and eliminating many programs. The cuts are largely the result of a state financial mess and a system that relies on property tax to fund education. Many parents and teachers in our district favor HB 174 which, if passed, would provide property tax relief while raising the Illinois income tax level from 3 to 5% to more equitable fund education. Click here to read the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability's analysis of the bill.

After learning about the state budget crisis and the impact on education RIGHT HERE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, please click here and comment on the governor's proposed budget. Ask the governor to support public education by passing real education funding reform. THIS IS URGENT. Please take the time to comment today and ask your child's teacher to do the same. It only takes a few minutes and it will give 8000 kids in our community 4 years of quality high school education. You can't really put a price on that!