The Senn Tomorrow Committee: Naval academy moratorium?

Last night (2/28), there was a meeting of the "Senn Tomorrow Committee" at Senn High School.

What is this committee? The committee's charter is to advise CPS chief Arne Duncan on how to make Senn a better school. Alderwoman Mary Ann Smith selected members of the community -- teachers, community activists, religious leaders, and others -- to serve. Those not invited, such as myself, are welcome to attend as uninvited attendees. Discussions of Senn's future are intended to be "as broad as possible and include the physical plant, the educational program, after-school programs, and other additions to Senn." (quoting from the mission statement)

But, as one committee member put it, the elephant in the room that could not be ignored was the naval academy that is slated to open this fall on Senn High School premises. Though this academy was strongly supported by the Mayor, by Duncan, by Alderwoman Smith, and by a unanimous vote of the CPS school board, it is far less popular within the community.

The committee welcomed a Senn sophomore as a new member last night. She related how some students she knew planned to transfer from Senn next year if the naval academy is there. They do not feel that the military academy does anything to meet their needs -- needs that are presently unmet. Instead, it will serve to militarize the school, which they oppose. Morale is very low at the school.

It was noted that Senn's Local School Council (LSC) had unanimously rejected the naval academy proposal, in direct opposition to the school board's vote. The fact that the LSC's input was blatantly disregarded raises concerns about the decision-making process. Either the correct process was not followed, or the LSCs have less power than was thought.

A motion was made to advise Arne Duncan to put a moratorium on the naval academy but also to continue seeking other ways to improve Senn. The motion passed by a wide margin. It may be a fool's hope that there will actually be a moratorium, but it can't hurt to ask.

As for my opinion, I think the naval academy at Senn is a highly questionable idea. Although there have been assurances that the academy will not be used to recruit kids into the military, I am doubtful. These assurances are being made in the context of a war in Iraq where we are facing personnel shortages. And while there may be a place for military academies, I don't see them as a cure for what ails the Chicago Public Schools.

The next Senn Tomorrow meeting will be on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 at Senn. Save Senn, a group opposing the academy, will hold a community forum on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 at Senn.