Richard Edwards Elementary School

Honestly, I’m pretty worried about how things are going at Edwards this year. The chronic absenteeism rate is over 30%, which is a huge red flag—it feels like kids are constantly out sick or just disengaged, and the school doesn't seem to have a handle on it. The student-to-teacher ratio is also way too high, so even when my kid is in class, the teachers are too stretched thin to notice if a student is struggling or feeling under the weather until it's a full-blown issue. Communication from the office about illness outbreaks is hit or miss, and the building definitely shows its age in terms of cleanliness. It’s tough because the teachers are nice, but the environment just doesn't feel like a priority for the district right now.

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the situation at Edwards. My kid’s classroom is constantly freezing or stuffy because the HVAC system is always breaking down—I actually saw on a recent board agenda that they’re still scrambling for parts just to get the motors running properly. It’s hard for the kids to stay healthy when the building's air and temp aren't consistent. Plus, it’s a big CPS school, and honestly, it feels like they’re just churning kids through without much focus on wellness. Between the maintenance issues and the general crowded feel, it seems like a struggle just to keep the basics covered. Not thrilled with the environment right now.