The PTO of School 10 got together last week and came up with their own position statement regarding the facilities plan and I hope that the SW education folks can support it too!

Here it is:

Dear Dr. Vargas, and Commissioners of the Board of Education,

We, the parents of Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School #10, have gathered and created consensus around the following items relating to our school future and facilities:

• Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School #10 shall retain our name and shall adhere to Expeditionary Learning with fidelity through all of our transitions.
• All current teachers and staff with specialty training in Expeditionary Learning pedagogy and practice shall remain a part of our school community and staff through all of our
  transitions.
• Dr. Walter Cooper Academy shall remain in the 19th Ward. We believe it is important that our children and the children of this citywide community be afforded a safe education of which they can take ownership, in close proximity to community resources and partnerships.
• Dr. Walter Cooper Academy shall be located on RCSD property bordered by Virginia Avenue, Congress Avenue, and Post Avenue, or by another name 353 Congress Avenue, the current address of our school. Our parent community feels strongly that the diversity, and stability of the 19th Ward are an asset to our school community.
• Our school may be merged with another elementary school, SO LONG AS we retain the name of “Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School #10”, continue to follow Expeditionary Learning with fidelity, and maintain a student population of fewer than 500 students and strive for an ideal student to teacher ratio consistent with Expeditionary Learning best practices.
• A new building is a welcome prospect to our school and is supported by our parent community, but we are willing to be flexible with a rehabilitation of the building on the property at 353 Congress Avenue, depending on the long term financial benefits and risks for the RCSD. Our priority is a building that is sustainable and appropriate for the delivery of Expeditionary Learning. Our parent community also sees the opportunity to be a leader in green architecture and operations through a LEED certified new build.
• Dr. Walter Cooper Academy campus amenities shall include, but not be limited to: consideration of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic flow (a bus loop, adequate parking), appropriate equipment to foster outdoor play (high quality playground, multipurpose athletic field, courtyard or picnic area, attractive landscaping), and standard security measures (lighting, fencing, equipment, protocols).