On September 7, 2011, new CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, Jean-Claude Brizard came to COFI for a special meeting with POWER-PAC leaders. Parent leaders from 8 different Chicago communities shared their concerns and recommendations around improving school discipline, increasing access to early learning for all children, bringing back recess for elementary students, and other POWER-PAC issues.

Brizard pledged support to POWER-PAC on each of its critical campaigns and confirmed his public commitment to reinstating recess in all elementary schools next school year.

He particularly agreed that the district needs to focus on ending punitive school discipline and he spoke of how he eliminated out-of-school suspensions in Rochester, New York. “We know we have big issues to address when it comes to school discipline,” Brizard stated and agreed to work with POWER-PAC on this issue and make sure the group continues to be part of the solution going forward.

The new CEO also agreed to keep working with POWER-PAC to increase access for low-income children to quality early education programs by supporting new programs like the Walking Preschool Bus.