UPDATE: The Elected Representative School Board (ERSB) referendum will appear on the ballot in 38 wards in the February 24, 2015 Municipal General Election, the result of a successful campaign by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Grassroots Education Movement, United Working Families, Grassroots Illinois Action, SEIU HCii and scores of volunteers throughout the city of Chicago. There were no objections filed to challenge the approximately 66,000 signatures on the ERSB petitions, which will appear on ballots in all of Chicago’s wards except for 2, 9, 11, 13, 18, 23, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 48. (SOURCE Chicago Teachers Union: http://www.ctunet.com/blog/elected-school-board-lands-on-2015-municipal-election-ballot) The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board—appointed by the mayor— is not accountable to the people it is supposed to serve. The Board is failing our children. Lack of focus on proper education creates a population unequipped to face the challenges of the competitive world and also has been known to contribute to increases in crime. We must stop the corporate management and data reliance driven approach towards reforming and maintaining our school structures. We cannot have political appointees who who have no accountability to the parents and children of Chicago. Students are not just data and teachers are not just parts that need to be managed. The Board should be selected by the people, the voters of the city of Chicago. The ultimate goal must be that resources are exhausted so that every neighborhood school is a quality school. This can only be achieved through an Elected Representative School Board. Election requirements could mandate specific qualifications and cap campaign expenditures, thus reducing the nasty side of politics. While the actual makeup of this board can be up for debate (half appointed/elected, fully elected, district wise breakdown, parental involvement, Local School Council member involvement); the debate NEEDS to start, and it needs to start NOW! We live in a Democracy, and we need true representation! Another great source for info: http://ilraiseyourhand.org/content/elected-representative-school-board-campaign

The Department of Education has a responsibility to subcontract with honest service organizations and should have a functional victim or public service Ombudsman department to investigate abuse by the contractors of this Department of Education and so students and PARENTS who obtained student loans through the schools with the expectation that these loans would have the terms traditionally associated with "student " loan terms can be assured of that. Maybe it is the Department of Education itself that needs investigation. Something should be done. Some of these contractors, like Great Lakes, have become loan sharks and abusers. STOP THE FRAUD WITH THE GOVERNMENT LABEL. The government programs like keeping payments low or interest rates at a reasonable low for student loans, should be upheld for everyone. It is ridiculous that these loan sharks get away with denying these programs to most of their victims for some "reason" under the vise of the Federal Department of Education. Petition Background The Department of Education has a responsibility to subcontract with honest service organizations and should have a victim or public service Ombudsman department to investigate abuse by the contractors of this Department of Education and so students and PARENTS who obtained student loans through the schools with the expectation that these loans would have the terms traditionally associated with "student " loan terms can be assured of that. Maybe it is the Department of Education itself that needs investigation. Something should be done. Some of these contractors, like Great Lakes, have become loan sharks and abusers. STOP THE FRAUD WITH THE GOVERNMENT LABEL. The government programs like keeping payments low or interest rates at a reasonable low for student loans, should be upheld for everyone. It is ridiculous that these loan sharks get away with denying these programs to most of their victims for some "reason" under the vise of the Federal Department of Education. |

I am a university professor and have been in educational institutions since age 4. I am deeply troubled by the National Rifle Association's proposal to counter the ongoing cycle of gun violence in schools with yet more guns, particularly given the ruinous costs (both financial and psychological) of this approach.

It's time that we speak out and not allow the NRA to speak for us - we do not want any more school shootings -

Having been in education for almost 50 years, I've watched the educational system stagnate with no innovation to match the changing needs of teaching to a diverse student population.

The thought of my 5 year old grandson having to be exposed to guns by armed guards and / or teachers every school day and at every school he attends scares the hell out of me. At the NRA press conference, their solution to the Newtown, CT massacre on Dec 14, 2012 is to suggest putting armed guards in every school in the United States. This has to be the most expensive solution to the problem of gun violence and keeping our children safe to impose on our local governments, schools and citizens. Obviously, the NRA did not bother to suggest the means to be used to pay these armed guards. I propose that the US Congress, State governments and/or local governments impose an excise tax on every registered gun and owner of $1000 per annum to pay for all these armed guards in every school and other public places.

The NRA has made life hell in the United States. I, and many other expatriots are living abroad. I will return when the insanity is over.

Anyone including companies, especially the wealthy can show their love of America,patriotism,and progressiveness by contributing to the student debt crisis that will leave every student with a debt of $10,000 or less.

My daughter Ashtyn attends a public elementary school, where good behavior is rewarded with candy and pop. Daily, children ages 5 and up are given skittles, m & m's, tootsie rolls, and suckers for expected behaviors like walking quietly, turning in homework, or listening to the teacher.

Stop the interest on student loans...I took out a loan for my son, for 2 years or more i made payments the principal never went down..when i question why ..is because the payment i send was according to SALLIE MAE FOR INTEREST ONLY..this is not right..

Physical education has long been a part of the standard American school curriculum. Why not mental health? Why not educate children from a young age about their mind and feelings, how they work, and how to manage them? We must break the stigma against maintaining our mental health or asking for help in this area if we need it. What good is a healthy body without a healthy mind?

This petition is in response to the massive slaughter of 28 innocent children and teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday, December 14, 2012. I am petitioning the government to install bullet proof windows and doors in all public schools.