Amid CMS budget blues, a call to care
The interfaith group is launching "The Power of One," a quest to help people see that each person's time, money and advocacy can make a difference in schools. The project kicks off Jan. 11, with clergy, business and community leaders gathering to see a documentary about urban teachers.
"We want it to be a rallying cry for quality education for every child," said Executive Director Maria Hanlin.
The new year promises to bring a swirl of attention to the challenges of public education.
The N.C. legislature will convene this month to hash out a shrinking budget. Superintendent Peter Gorman has asked the CMS board to make early decisions on three of the most painful potential budget cuts for 2011-12: Prekindergarten, busing and additional teachers to help children of poverty.
Board Chair Eric Davis said last week it's not yet clear whether the board will agree to that schedule, and if so, how it will study the issues and engage the public. "It's a work in progress," he said.
Meanwhile, local leaders are rallying support and trying to channel frustration that has bubbled up in angry meetings, protests and civil-rights complaints.
The Levine Museum of the New South will revive an updated version of its 2004 "Courage" exhibit, on how Charlotte handled the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation order. Author and commentator Juan Williams will headline a Jan. 20 panel discussion titled "Courage: Where Do We Need It Now?"
The museum plans to use the exhibit to get adults and youth talking about education and race relations.
"Souls of Our Teachers," the documentary created by Hanlin and Rabbi Judith Schindler of Temple Beth El, came out in May.
The original plan called for launching "The Power of One" when schools opened in August, but Hanlin says Gorman asked organizers to hold off. At that time, the board was in the thick of time-consuming and controversial meetings about closing schools and other assignment changes.
Hanlin hopes the new year will inspire people to renew their resolve to make a difference. Leaders who attend the Jan. 11 session will get a free copy of "Souls of Our Teachers," a guide to using it in congregations, workplaces or organizations and a "gift card" enabling them to give $100 to a classroom project of their choice in one of CMS's high-poverty schools.
The Knight Foundation, Levine Foundation and Wachovia/Wells Fargo are supporting the effort, with Knight providing $100 donation cards for almost 300 kickoff participants. They'll work through DonorsChoose.org, which lets teachers post proposals for classroom supplies, science kits, musical instruments, field trips and other efforts to benefit their kids.
Representatives who attend will be urged to connect others with the site, where even small donations get personal thank-yous and updates from teachers and kids. They'll also be put in touch with Communities In Schools, which places volunteers in high-need CMS schools.
Also, a web site will provide contact information for lobbying the school board, county commissioners, state and national legislators on education issues.
As of last week, less than half the 292 spots for the kickoff had been claimed. Hanlin said groups that haven't gotten an invitation should sign up: "We really want to pack the place."
"I think people want to do something," she said. "There are some small things you can do. Every one of us can make a difference."