Comments on: Guest Column: Benefits of choice system for the student assignment

By: RPS Parent

RPS Parent — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:25:41 +0000

I don’t entirely disagree with this letter.

Choice should remain for the “theme” schools. All other traditional schools should be zoned back to neighborhood status.

I would even go one step further and say parents who chose to attend the Theme Schools(Barbour,Ellis,)Montessori, Haskell, Gifted at all levels,etc…should provide their childs own transportation. After all they “CHOOSE” to attend these schools.

The theme schools would benefit by having students with committed parents who chose their program for it’s unique offerings. Neighborhood Schools would satisfy all the others who are upset about not receiving their first choice.

By: Dione

Dione — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:22:52 +0000

I agree. These lotteries are stupid as all get out and there are no personal stakes in the local neighborhoods.
Who on earth in thier right mind would choose zones instead of neighborhood schools?!
If you want your widdle snowflake to go to a certain school, then YOU BUS THEM YOURSELF! Stop screwing up these kids’ lives over money and the refual to assume parental culpability.

By: John Penn

John Penn — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:29:55 +0000

Unfortunately, “Choice” creates a lottery system that instead of attracting young families considering a move to the northern Illinois area, it provides uncertainty because perceived ‘quality’ schools are over chosen.

It is that uncertainty that makes it much less likely for new families to settle in Rockford.

Get rid of the lottery! We need to put our energy into making ALL Rockford schools ‘quality’ schools!