John Gilligan's apparent paranoia about charter schools as an alternative to failed Cincinnati Public Schools seems misplaced (Porkopolis, issue of Aug. 24-30).
It's the parents' choice, not his, to determine how and where their children should be educated. If you have the money, parents' choices for their children are unlimited. I'm sure Gilligan maintained the perogative of choice for his own children.
Even if all charter schools are not the success they should be, neither are the public schools. And contrary to general belief, charter schools don't cost the public school system money — only the loss of students and the state dollars that follow them. Some progressive public school districts even embrace the charter movement of choice by supporting schools that meet needs being unmet by the public system.
Actually, the Cincinnati Public School district conceptually embraces the "choice" model in its numerous magnet schools, its entrance-examination schools and its work with other districts like Diamond Oaks Vocational District, to which Cincinnati students are sent for training with paid-for transportation.
— Barry V. Cholak,Fairmount
Sell Those Old School Buildings
Cincinnati Public Schools is making the right move (Porkopolis, issue of Aug. 24-30). Selling off the empty buildings will help cover their budget/operating expenses and possibly reduce how often they have to approach taxpayers for additional money.
The Pendleton Neighborhood Community Council (aka neighborhood whiners) are getting what they deserve. Who do they think they are demanding answers on what's going on in our community, as these are the same folks who saw fit to put up a barricade in our neighborhood and not inform any of the "non-developer" residents and businesses and church who were being affected.
This irony is a blessing. Also with the CPS sell-off, hopefully this will mean fewer buildings added to the now excessivly long list of vacant, deteriorating buildings in Cincinnati, especially in the Pendleton area of Over-the-Rhine. Vacant buildings drawn crime.
More power to CPS. Sell, sell, sell.
— Sara Poole, Over-the-Rhine
Thanks for Awards
Please pass on to all the people who contributed to the Aug. 26 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards show at Corbett Auditorium our thanks and appreciation for a superbly organized and most enjoyable affair (see photos and winners on page 19). You have done the arts in Cincinnati a great service in bringing together and recognizing the professional and community theater folk and, what is more, so many kids will benefit from the proceeds.
Well done! We look forward to next year's event.
— Anna and John Nixon,Cincinnati
Thanks for Nomination
I want you all to know how very much I appreciate being nominated this year for a Cincinnati Entertainment Award (in Playhouse in the Park's production of A Picasso). Michael Haney (Playhouse's assistant artistic director) called to tell me, and I was flabbergasted, then tried to change my schedule to be there just to thank you all in person. But I'm here, writing instead.
This past season was my first opportunity to work at Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati. I fell in love with the whole town, your terrific arts community, the late summer and early fall there, the wonderful blend of south and north — with all of Cincinnati! I'm particularly honored to have been nominated, because you have lots of wonderful theater.
Thank you to all who took part in my nomination. It's a great compliment.
— Priscilla Shanks, New York City
