Words by Mirta Ramírez, founder of Aspira of Illinois, to the Assembly of the Mirta Ramírez Computer Science Charter School

June 6, 2007
Good evening,
The staff of this school, faculty, parents and students under the leadership of Mrs. Patricia Muñoz have worked hard and with commitment during 4 years to develop a learning model with the vision of attaining excellence for all. They have a lot to accomplish yet. The passion for achieving excellence for all requires a constant effort. The effort has demonstrated that “yes, we can”: 78 out of 79 graduates of the first graduating class in this building walk firmly towards different universities and we know they will succeed. Aspira was not created in New York as an intellectual exercise, but because there was a need for our youth to be respected, to build their self-esteem so they could be valued as the dignified human beings they are. Also in Chicago, it was founded because here, as in other States of this nation, this need exists. Following its principles and ideals Aspira of Illinois initiates a new phase of direct intervention to improve our youth’s education through the “charter school movement”.

Now I find that there is uncertainty, mistrust and lack of communication at all levels. That we have to vacate this building because the Fire Department is demanding it and that the enrollment of this school will be reduced, endangering the mission not only of Aspira, but of the school. I have the bad feeling that the Mirta Ramirez School could be victim of a disproportionate reaction to an apparent lack of planning which foreshadows situations like the ones that exist today. Furthermore, I cannot accept that a bureaucracy is being built which seems more like a caricature of the failed Chicago Public School system.

With all due respect to Mrs. Sanchez, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and to Mr. Rodriguez, Aspira of Illinois’ CEO, I ask you to start the dialogue and to honor your word by fulfilling the promise of these four (4) years that the Mirta Ramirez School have its own building. And this is very simple: postpone the start of the Aspira Early College and locate the Mirta Ramirez School with its full enrollment of 350 students in the building just rebuilt at Pulaski and Belmont. If I am here tonight is in defense of my name. And to be sure that Aspira does not stray away from its mission, principles and integrity. My solidarity is with the community in this school, faculty, students, parents and support staff.