LETTERS: OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE NEEDS CHANGE.

I was frustrated at the March 2 Oak Park Board of Education meeting. The school district has continuously failed to create a schedule at Oak Park High School to allow for additional opportunities for the students. The approval of the collective bargaining agreement with the Oak Park teachers will impede this change. They have been attempting to expand the OPHS schedule from six to seven course periods for three years.

Principal Cliff Moore and Vice Principal Dave Becker worked diligently to develop a schedule. It was presented to the community on Feb. 11. Students ``unofficially'' heard the teachers did not approve the proposed schedule and challenged the decision at the board meeting. The board failed to inform the students that under the proposed teachers contract, 75 percent of OPHS teachers would have to approve this change. A parent disclosed this provision.

The students stated the current schedule limits educational opportunities and ability to compete for college placement with students from schools offering seven or eight course periods. Students are forced into summer school programs to overcome the deficiencies in the schedule.

After three years of promises, the board failed to provide for an expanded schedule in the teachers' contract. Rather they approved the 75 percent provision, effectively transferring control of this important change to the teachers.

A ``no'' vote by nine of the 35 OPHS teachers may stop change and limit opportunities for the 800 OPHS students. Who is watching out for the students' needs? Who is running our schools?

At 7 p.m. March 16, in Building G on the OPHS campus, an alternative schedule will be presented by the district. Please attend and let the board know you want your child to have additional opportunities.

- Kevin M. Carr 

Oak Park