School District 99 Parents Concerned About Special Education Gaps, Long-Time Teacher Resigns in Solidarity
By Efrain Soriano for Cicero Independiente
“When the time came for public comment, Liliana Ortega, a tenured teacher from Goodwin Elementary who has served Cicero students for 18 years, was the first to speak.
Ortega’s emphatic statement and public resignation sparked loud and supportive cheers from the crowd. During the meeting, the board members and superintendent Aldo Calderin did not respond.
According to Ortega, the district has failed to provide the support she…”
Belen Rodriguez and Michael Vargas sit outside the main entrance to Goodwin Elementary in Cicero, Ill. on May 20, 2024. Efrain Soriano/Cicero Independiente
Belen Rodriguez helps her son, Michael Vargas, climb down from a playset outside of Goodwin Elementary in Cicero, Ill. on May 20, 2024. Rodriguez said Michael requires more assistance due to being on the Autism spectrum, and she has had to help Michael more and more with homework since his co-teacher left. Efrain Soriano/Cicero Independiente
Michael Vargas sits on his favorite obstacle at the Goodwin Elementary playground in Cicero, Ill. Efrain Soriano/ Cicero Independiente
