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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

karen lewis lashes out against corporate leaders - chicagotribune.com

karen lewis lashes out against corporate leaders - chicagotribune.com:


Teachers union chief slams 'top-down' reform

Says deadline for school-closing announcements shouldn't be extended




 By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, Chicago Tribune reporter
Showing the same combativeness that was on display during the recent strike, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said Tuesday that the wealthy backers of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's efforts to overhaul the city's troubled schools should donate money to support public education but otherwise butt out.
"I think they should do what they do when they give money to the Lyric Opera," Lewis said during a City Club of Chicago lunch. "I don't believe they give money to the Lyric Opera and then go tell the singers how to sing. ... Give your money and walk away, buddies. When you don't know something, don't dilettante your way into it."
Lewis' criticism was directed at people like school board member Penny Pritzker, a member of one of Chicago's richest families and a supporter of education reform, and Bruce Rauner, a retired private equity executive who has helped lead the drive for privately run charter