Robert Jones

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

More than a decade ago, I united in solidarity with coalition groups from across the city to fight against the disinvestment and erosion of neighborhood schools. As a faith based leader and Community Organizer, I am committed to be a voice for the voiceless and throughout the 10th District. I am running to champion for educational and economic equity for all Chicago Public Schools.

Why are you the most qualified candidate?

I have been on the frontline to know firsthand, the desires of our parents and needs of our children and our schools and I am prepared to bring my experiences to the room to make sound decisions for our children, parents, teachers, and workers.

What is the biggest issue facing your specific school board district?

District 10 is a unique a makeup of multi-plex issue from budget deficits, infrastructural erosion, and declining academic performance. Ideally, I cannot define 1 being less or greater than the other.

How has your district been impacted by the shuttering of CPS schools?

On Friday, June 19, 2013, was the largest mass closure of public schools in the nation’s history. A decade later, District 10 schools and communities are crippled. In fact, students, families, Teachers, and CPS staff are traumatized, divested, and academically spiraling.

How have your district’s schools been impacted by students who are new arrivals to the U.S. and how should CPS best accommodate those students and families?

Schools throughout the 10th district are overwhelmed. Particularly when we examine the 5th ward where there’s a hyperconcentration of asylum seekers with very little resources to accommodate their needs. Chicago Public Schools can continue to yield support by strengthening their English Spanish Language (ESL) program to minimize language barrier.

How do you believe the school board should handle the looming fiscal crisis at Chicago Public Schools?

A fiscal audit is necessary to understand how we got to a deficit and measures to implement best operational practices.

A moratorium on closing CPS schools is set to expire in January. Should CPS consolidate more schools?

On Friday, June 19, 2013, was the largest mass closure of public schools in the nation’s history. A decade later, we are asking to revisit the ideal of potentially unleashing what crippled communities on the south and west side of Chicago are alarming. History has a tendency to repeat itself, but that does not mean that the initial decision was the best or deem worthy to repeat. No, consolidating schools is not the answer, but equitably funding them is a start in the right direction.

What is your position on closing selective enrollment schools?

Selective enrollment schools can co-exist within the fabric of Chicago Public Schools. They do not have to close because the conversation of equity is gaining momentum. Strengthening our neighborhood schools should be goal that will benefit all. 

What is your position on charter schools?

While we should make sure that the Charters do right by their students, teachers and workers, I do not support expansion.

Is your campaign being supported by the Chicago Teachers Union?

Yes

The Chicago Teachers Union wants the district to focus on retrofitting schools with equipment that will battle the effects of climate change. Is spending money that way right now a good idea with the massive deficit the district faces?

Too often, we hear or read falsehoods that climate change is a hoax, but the bottom line is it’s real. If we care about leaving the world better than we found it, we must do all we can to preserve and protect the planet. The Chicago Teachers Union is not alone in the fight against our country succumbing to the impact and effects of climate change. I appreciate CTU's stance to address this crisis that disproportionately impacts underfunded schools in predominantly communities of color. 

What is your biggest priority and what do you hope to accomplish on the Chicago Board of Education?

My biggest priority is education and economic equity for all neighborhood schools. Tangibly, that looks like a Social Worker, Nurse, and a Librarian in every school would be major accomplishments to start.