“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.“
Woodrow Wilson obviously didn’t live in Shorewood because as hard as change can be, we have some excellent agents for it right here. Through the efforts of Shorewood educators and administrators, there has been a forward moving conversation about our schools, our families and our futures.
Atwater and Lake Bluff schools have had multiage (mixed grade) programs since 2000. Each has met with sustained success, living up to the already existing high standards Shorewood has enjoyed for years. Recently, a group of Lake Bluff staff members formed an exploratory committee to gather information about continuing their multiage program as a charter. The Lake Bluff Multiage School would remain part of Lake Bluff School and, of course, part of Shorewood Schools. Although the system has had multiage classrooms for seven years, the possibility of changing a status to charter stirred up some understandable and probably necessary angst. Change has a way of doing that.
In attempts to control rumors, provide information and educate about the legal and political procedures involved, Lake Bluff‘s principal has done a remarkable job making the process one that is systematic, transparent, manageable and open to all. Angst took a deep breath, impatience settled down, and the two engaged in conversation. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was a beautiful thing. What started out as a possible wedgie in the pants of change ended up in what could be offered as a 500 level course on how to initiate it. Through a series of idea exchanges, speaking and informational sessions, all involved have increased their understandings of what form a second district charter school might take.
Over many months, parents and teachers of single grade and multiage students, along with district and school administrators were able to come to the table and with fair amounts of give and take, a newly released amalgam document was created. Although in rough draft form and still evolving, this initial blueprint answers the what, why and how about the proposed school. The text is woven in such a way that you can actually see the children in the school this group envisions. If pages had tacks, these would be brass. It will be months before final decisions are made regarding this charter, but either way and no matter what the outcome, some very good things have happened.
Well done, Shorewood.
