In a recent Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board meeting, parents and community members voiced significant concerns regarding the district's strategic planning and operational issues, particularly in relation to the new school year.

One parent highlighted a lack of communication from the principal regarding changes to special classes, expressing frustration over the absence of documentation and clarity about the curriculum for a newly introduced class, MTSS. The parent urged the board to investigate the situation, emphasizing the negative impact on students and the need for transparency.

Community engagement was a central theme, with several speakers calling for more inclusive and transparent processes in developing the CPS five-year strategic plan. Naida De La Rosa, an associate director of community engagement, stressed the importance of families having access to policy information and the opportunity to provide input. She urged the board to release a draft of the strategic plan for public review, asserting that community voices must be heard to address systemic issues affecting marginalized families.

Theresa Maldonado, a long-time CPS parent, criticized the board's approach to community engagement, stating that a survey alone does not constitute genuine partnership. She called for a pause on the strategic plan until it can be developed with authentic community involvement.

Tiara Pearson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lack of transparency in the planning process and demanding that the strategic plan be reviewed and approved by an elected school board with meaningful community feedback.

Concerns about school facilities were also raised, particularly regarding health and safety. Rosabella Hernandez shared her experiences with inadequate school conditions, urging the board to prioritize healthy green schools in their strategic planning. Nelly Moreno, a CPS parent, recounted her son's struggles with asthma exacerbated by poor school conditions, calling for commitments to improve air quality and overall school environments.

Transportation issues were another focal point, with parents expressing frustration over the lack of bus routes for students with disabilities. Paul Worgaske questioned the district's failure to provide transportation for nearly 1,900 students at the start of the school year, while Terry Smith criticized the district's communication regarding transportation policies and the challenges faced by families.

The meeting concluded with a call for accountability and action from the board, as parents and community members demanded a collaborative approach to address the pressing issues facing CPS students and families.