CPS ANGERS PARENTS & TEACHERS BY FLIPPING AGAIN ON MERGING MARCONI & TILTON SCHOOLS

West Side parents, teachers and community members are apparently upset at the indecision of the Chicago Public Schools regarding the status of Marconi and Tilton Elementary Schools. Originally, CPS announced that Guglielmo Marconi, 230 North Kolmar Avenue, was being consolidated with George W. Tilton Elementary School, 223 North Keeler Avenue, because of low enrollment at Marconi. Then, the merger was removed from the agenda of last month’s School Board meeting to provide an opportunity for CPS to work with the community to develop a plan for boosting Marconi’s enrollment.
    CPS has now informed the Marconi and Tilton Local School Councils that the consolidation shall in fact proceed.
    Parents and teachers are upset over the decision and say they were betrayed. Parents at both schools warn CPS that the culture of calm at both schools will be disrupted by a merger. They say Tilton students will have to walk from east of Pulaski Road and cross at least two gang-infested hot spots to get to Marconi.
    A community meeting is scheduled for March 11 at Marconi School concerning the matter. Parents and community residents are being encouraged to call Alderman Ed Smith at 773/533-0900 to voice objection to the consolidation. For information, call Carol Johnson at 773/491-4295.