Smith Bill Requiring School Transparency Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Nicholas Smith, D-Chicago, requiring publication of an explanatory analysis following the closure public schools in Chicago unanimously passed out of the Illinois House.

“With overcrowding in many Chicago schools, students, parents and teachers deserve transparency when a school is closed,” said Smith. “By requiring the publication of a cost-benefit analysis, Chicago Public Schools must show that the benefits of closing a school outweigh the costs of maintaining the campus, staff and curriculum for students.”

Smith’s House Bill 2205 would require Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to publicly post a cost-benefit analysis on their website within eight months after the announcement of a school closure. In 2013, parents, students, teachers, and community members were stunned and outraged when CPS announced the closure of more than 50 schools with little transparency or explanation. Smith is fighting to ensure CPS is held accountable for their actions. Earlier this month, Smith voted in favor of making CPS board members elected rather than appointed.

“We deserve transparency especially when it relates to the education of our children and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars in local schools” continued Smith. “More importantly, students, parents and teachers deserve stability in preparing our children to become contributing members of our community, our state, and our society.”