The Examiner U-46 News Feed

U-46 creates, seeks to fill social justice teacher post

By Seth Hancock
  School District U-46 has created a new role with a politically charged title, the social justice advocate teacher leader.
  The job was posted in May with the start date listed as Aug. 11. It is listed as a district wide teacher.
  The U-46 Equity Matters Twitter page posted recently: “Are you interested in social justice work? Then, please consider applying for our newly created Social Justice Advocate position.”
  The duties include planning and supporting “intersectional LGBTQIA+ programs and events,” and the position will be a part of curriculum review.
  The goals of the position, according to the job posting, is “works tirelessly to ensure there is full and equal participation of all diverse student groups in the most rigorous coursework, that there is fair and equitable distribution of resources, and all diverse student groups have a sense of belonging.”
  Considering ongoing trends, the creation of such a position could possibly raise questions about U-46’s priorities.
  Tests scores, in the Illinois State Board of Education’s report card, continue to get worse each year across the board in the district while taxing and spending continues to increase despite enrollment declines.
  This year’s budget jumped $61.3 million or 10.2 percent, $599.5 million to $660.8 million, while enrollment declines for the seventh straight year. Spending, under the budget, has jumped 53.7 percent and enrollment has declined 11.4 percent since 2012.
  The Examiner, multiple times, has asked for the position’s expected salary range, the position’s classification (i.e. administrator) and for the district’s justification for creating the position.
  After following up with the district, a spokesperson said they would “look into these and get back.” Since well over a week has passed and The Examiner has not yet received a response.