PSRPs often go the extra mile to accommodate the needs of our school communities. But during the winter holidays, that extra mile may seem more like a 5 k marathon. PSRP for life Christel Williams-Hayes has some tips for how to finish the holiday race.
The Internet and the news are awash with stories of how young people are dealing with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. Educators are reporting more discipline problems, students acting out and even engaging in self harm. And the PSRPs in our school are on the frontlines dealing with these crises.
PSRP Judy Mahoney is exactly the kind of employee CPS should value. She served as the school clerk at Whittier Elementary in Pilsen for 23 years until a drunk driver changed the course of her life one night. Now, four years later, CPS has slashed Judy’s position at the school and, had our Union not fought back, she would have been out of job at the end of June.
Saying “no” to inappropriate assignments today can help ensure your school has the proper staffing you need tomorrow. CPS will never provide our schools with the staffing and resources they need and that have been promised if PSRPs continue to play the dutiful helper role — always willing to chip in when needed.
An independent arbitrator found that school buildings are unsafe and ordered that clerks and other staff should be allowed to work remotely at least four days a week. But the mayor decided she’s above the law and refused to abide by that ruling.
