This statement was released by the Foundation for Excellence in Education, in response to the news about the CTU strike vote, approved by 96% of voting members. FEE was founded by Jeb Bush; he stepped aside when he decided to run for the GOP nomination. Patricia Levesque was former Governor Bush’s closest associate. It is interesting that she refers to the children of Chicago as “our children.” The FEE–which strongly advocates for charters, vouchers, and virtual classes and schools– has never issued a statement about the lack of resources for the Chicago public schools, the lack of libraries, social services, or about overcrowded classrooms. Nor did it issue a statement when Mayor Emanuel closed 50 public schools in a single day, which surely hurt many children.
CHICAGO FAMILIES WOULD BE CASUALTIES IN THREATENED TEACHERS UNION STRIKE
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Chicago Teachers Union membership voted to authorize setting a strike date if demands are not met by the State Board of Education. Patricia Levesque, CEO of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, issued the following statement.
“The Chicago Teachers Union has used its political power to turn the city’s education system into a place where collectively bargained job protections, benefits and pensions are the priority, not the education of our children. It’s no wonder Chicago Public Schools is spiraling into insolvency.
“Rather than negotiate in good faith on permanent solutions, the union is desperately lashing out, blaming everyone else for a state of affairs it has been instrumental in creating. Under the guise of taking a stand for students, it is preparing for a strike that will abandon students in their classrooms.
“This union agenda punishes families and only will hasten the flight to charter schools, where parents can find better options and where thousands of children currently are on waiting lists. The question now becomes whether or not union leaders are interested in the education of children and the long-term survival of Chicago Public Schools, or whether they are interested in a self-serving agenda of maintaining power.”
###
For more information, visit http://www.ExcelinEd.org.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
JEB ♥ CNN & FOX, but they’re just not into him anymore.
He seems to be getting a little desperate for any airplay at all.
LikeLike
The nerve of this person. Critiquing teachers for advocating for better schools when Rahm closed 50 public schools after the last teacher’s strike. These teachers are putting their livelihood on the line in a time of charterization and defamation of public education. This is a courageous group and they need to be heard. If she wants to criticize someone, let her look in the mirror or at Rahm for ripping off taxpayers to enrich private concerns.
LikeLike
With thanks to Diane for passing this along, isn’t this a “Dog Bites Man” story? We’re talking about a member of the Bush family; it would only be legitimate news if he expressed awareness and sympathy for the plight of public school teachers.
Forget about what a largely-discredited former governor and doomed presidential candidate says about the situation in Chicago; it will be far more important to watch and respond to the behavior of Democrats if the CTU must strike.
LikeLike
What a masterfully crafted piece of propaganda Jebturd’s bogus foundation has put out. Applause. Up is down, black is white, night is day. Hopefully the parents and the students will see through the smoke and mirrors language used.
How do the reformers sleep at night? Snug in their beds, counting their millions instead of sheep. They are shameful.
LikeLike
Dialogue from the Will Ferrell SNL skit on Sat. (impersonating George W. Bush), described the cruel trick of fate, for Jeb!- public recognition that Dubya is the smarter brother.
A few months ago, when Jeb! made the case that Cheney had been a great advisor to Dubya, we could hear the final nail hammered into his campaign’s coffin.
LikeLike
Hypocritical
LikeLike
The inappropriately name Foundation for Excellence in Education is an enemy of public education. This elitist cabal has insinuated itself into the Florida education system to the detriment of the students of Florida. The Florida Board of Education is a puppet to this foundation, and Ms. Levesque is an insidious sith (an appropriate moniker for someone who draws power from the dark side).
LikeLike
“The Jeb Bush song” (to the tune of the Beverly Hillbillies tune)
Come and listen to a story about a man named Jeb
A poor politician, barely kept his charters fed,
And then one day he was shootin at some pests
And up through the ground came a gaggle of tests
FCATs that is, hack gold, Florida tea.
Well the first thing you know ol Jeb, he gets a hair,
Says to himself “Jeb, move away from there”
Says “Oval Office is the place you oughta tail”
So he loaded up the truck, and he hit the dusty trail
Campaign, that is. Hotel pools, bed-room bars.
Well now its time to say good bye to Jeb and all his kin.
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin in.
You’re all invited back a gain to this locality
To have a heapin helpin of their hostitality
Bush that is. Set a spell, Take your shoes off.
Y’all come back now, y’hear?.
LikeLike