AVONDALE — Many of the programs Von Linne Elementary stakes its reputation on could be eliminated entirely with the possibility of district-wide cuts next year.
The Avondale school's dual language and culinary programs top the list, but it's possible the level 1+ school could lose at least nine teachers, cutting one-fourth of its faculty.
The looming $1.1 million loss would also mean losing library programming, field trips and special events and all materials for technology, science and math classes, Principal Renee Mackin told the Avondale Neighborhood Association, according to an account of the conversation posted on the group's website.
Art, music or both would be on the line, and Von Linne would lose arts partnerships with Joffrey Ballet and for violin, martial arts, Zumba and Latin dance.
The wide range of programs are "essential" to Von Linne's message of educating the whole child, Mackin said.
The reduction “'directly impacts programming in the Fine Arts, Health and Wellness, Social Emotional Learning, Biliteracy, Intervention, and Gifted Education, all of which are essential to our mission of ‘Educating the Whole Child,'” Mackin said, according to the neighborhood group's post late last month. "She anticipates an average class size of 45 students. Principal Mackin also said, 'I’ve always worked to keep cuts away from the classrooms,' which includes cutting office staff, lunchroom and recess supervision, and supplies, but 'there is no way to avoid losing at least 9 teachers.'”
Your Shoes Belong at Linne from Jodi Mahoney on Vimeo.
It would be a sad change for a school that prides itself of a wide range of experiences to students. In a 2014 video, Mackin touted the first full culinary arts program in Chicago Public Schools, along with Von Linne's dance studio, fashion design and glassmaking classes.
"Von Linne is truly unique," Mackin said. "We really offer this comprehensive curriculum, ensuring when students leave here, they're ready for college and they're ready for a career."
Mackin did not return a request for comment.
The cuts Von Linne faces would eliminate special opportunities like the "Preparing for Greatness" luncheon students attended last year. At the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St., two dozen students from Von Linne met City Clerk Susana Mendoza and executive chef Stephen Henry.
Students were wowed by the four-course lunch, which gave them a rare chance to experience fine dining and learn more about culinary careers.
Von Linne Elementary School. [Screenshot/Google Maps]
Schools across Chicago are facing budget cuts of up to 30 percent for the 2016-17 school year. The district blames unequal state education funding for the exodus of principals this year, while others cite student-based budgeting, privatized janitorial services and other stressors as causes for educators fleeing the district.
CPS chief Forrest Claypool said the district won't open in the fall without a state budget, which legislators failed to pass before the June deadline.
The Chicago Teachers Union is planning a June 22 rally Downtown to put pressure on the state to find new revenue for schools.
Last year, Avondale's four neighborhood elementary schools and an alternative learning program lost a combined $1.4 million. The cuts largely reflected the district's decision to end the practice of not penalizing schools for enrollment drops. Reilly suffered the worst, losing about $378,000 of its $6 million budget.
The 6 percent decrease pales in comparison with potential cuts facing schools next year. Many stand to lose $1 million or more.
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