Justice and Law Weekly 309 - Jean-Claude Brizard: Part 2

For Chicago parents, the Chicago Public School system has long been a hot button. Many schools lack playgrounds, libraries and basic educational resources to ensure their children will be ready for college when they graduate. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling for a longer school day as a first step, but the Chicago Teacher's Union has brought forward some demands. Our methods for evaluating teacher performance are being scrutinized, and families are clamoring to get into a handful of successful schools while many others suffer, leading to low enrollment and failing grades. Prior to his appointment in Chicago, Jean-Claude Brizard served as the superintendent of the school system in Rochester, N.Y. He is also a former physics teacher and high school principal.

Jesse Ruiz is a partner with the law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath where he concentrates his practice in mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining the Chicago Public School Board, he served as the chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education. He is active in the Hispanic community and currently serves as legal counsel to the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and its foundation.