Johnson Spends 1st Day in Schools

New Chicago Schools Supt. Argie K. Johnson kicked off her firstofficial day on the job Monday just as promised - in the schools.

With one month to go before the scheduled start of classes,Johnson met with parents and staff at the Helen J. McCorkleElementary School, 4421 S. State, then watched summer school studentswork in the shadow of the Robert Taylor Homes.

"I said my first official day would begin in the schools andthat's why I'm here," Johnson said. "When I go back to the centraloffice, there's a monumental task facing me."

The task: trying to get cash-strapped schools to open on time -on Sept. 9.

The Chicago Board of Education's attempts to whittle a $416million shortfall down to a $154 million deficit were rejected lastweek by the School Finance Authority. Under the law, the authoritycould not accept an unbalanced budget, and Chicago schools cannotopen until its budget books are balanced.

The board and a coalition of more than 40 community groups haveurged the Legislature to meet in special session to address thebudget gap.

"My grandmother used to say you have to pull yourself up by yourbootstraps," Johnson said. "But before you can pull yourself up byyour bootstraps, you must have some boots. Right now, I'm gonna seeif I can find the boots for the educational system."