| Dear friends,
We’ve all seen our share of close elections. I know a thing or two about them myself. But Tuesday’s vote on the elected school board referendum wasn’t one of them.
Across Chicago, 65,763 people voted “yes” on the measure, while only 10,174 voted “no.” 87% of voters approved the referendum.
This is a huge win for those of us who believe in community-driven education, in grassroots school leadership that understands our neighborhoods’ needs and fights for us, not against us. It’s a statement that even here in Chicago, people believe in democracy, and believe that we deserve a voice in how our schools are run.
I’m deeply grateful to all of you who joined us in this fight. Some of you collected signatures with us to get the question on the ballot this summer. Some passed flyers and knocked doors to raise awareness. Some were stationed at polling places in the cold and the rain reminding voters to vote “yes.” Some told your neighbors, posted on your Facebook walls, and a great many of you cast your ballots in favor. This wouldn’t have been possible without all your efforts.
The fight’s not over. This referendum didn’t change the law. But it should send a loud and clear message to our state legislators that their constituents are demanding change. Now we must demand that they step up to the plate and make it.
If there’s anything we should learn from Tuesday, it’s that, together, we can make real change happen.
Yours,
-Will |
Fred Klonsky 