Catalyst Caucus

I love this idea of creating school sponsorships and partnerships. But, “All politics is local” as Tip O’Neill once said. We are all aware that schools most in need of sponsorship are those that are in the more disenfranchised communities which need strong and compassionate teachers and administrators as well as corporate and parent partnerships for success. Schools in the worst neighborhoods (not necessarily the wonderful Nettlehorst model of school The latter are the schools most in need of immediate emergency care and sponsorship. Incentives could be provided to both teachers and principals in schools in impoverished areas. These schools also need more rigorous fiscal and accountability controls, smaller class sizes, extended day programs, and G.E.D. and job training programs for parents. The schools with at-risk students need to be beacons for the communities and their students. In addition, teachers and administrators who work in schools such as this could receive increased combat pay, plus increased retreat and professional development time for departmental and school improvement planning through private or corporate sponsorships.

What if not just companies, but citizens become angels for schools? I have successfully given away my own funds, applied for funding and secured funding for specific projects for schools and art programs in which I have taught. I am a teacher and artist and I have lived as though I am a charitable organization. I have artist friends who have done the same. In fact, every teacher I know has spent at least $1,000.00 per year on supplies for the students in their charge. Teachers have always acted like, and always will conduct themselves as charitable organizations.

What if every citizen, every not-for-profit and every company decides that a portion of their yearly income goes to pro-bono projects for schools? What if we change the paradigm and assume that everyone can give something even $10.00 per person to public education no matter what -- not through taxes, but through funds earmarked for specifics? What if public education administration in Chicago is finally truly transparent about finances, spending, profits and losses and even "misspending" -- so that money for schools in need truly goes to every school, every department and every student for specific supplies – without misappropriation of funding – or “disappearing” of supplies when new leadership move out to those schools, or when schools are taken over.

What if every student, teacher and administrator who has received a specific educational gift, thanks, discusses, reports and communicates with the donor and creates a relationship of mentorship, accountability, and shared values with the sponsoring organization? Imagine what students in need would learn from this amazing relationship. And imagine how a sponsoring organization would change and evolve based on information from the community and school.

If private citizens, for-profit companies, not-for-profits created accounting that always assumed that a portion of their incomes (big or small) was, is and always will be earmarked for a specific school department at a school in need (mirrors for a dance program, art supplies for the art department, books for a library, adequate supplies for a science program, uniforms for students in need)…then every company and citizen would become a charitable organization, students would absorb the model of accumulation and charity and become more responsible citizens.

Hoarding of knowledge and wealth has been a disaster for our society. As Confucious stated, “One must give away while one accumulates.” Knowledge or wealth – accumulate it and give it away, pass it on, get more, and begin the cycle again. Ethical accumulation of wealth or knowledge is not about hoarding. Education and mentoring will allow all students to transcend circumstance and class into a more promising future.