As he frequently does, reporter Bob Skolnik seeks to elevate a particular narrative rather than provide balanced reporting. The most recent example is his story in the July 1 edition of Wednesday Journal where he uses part of my reply to his email inquiry and precedes it with his opinion:
“A number of school board members were frustrated that the May presentation did not include any immediate extra staffing for tutoring or academic support.
‘Several board members requested that the administration clarify their plans in this area for the upcoming school year, and the discussion will be held at the July 16 board meeting,’ said Audrey Williams-Lee, school board president, in an email.”
The full text of my email reads: “As you reported in your article covering the June 16 CFC meeting, there has been ongoing work to support our students academically, and that work will continue. Several board members requested that the Administration clarify their plans in this area for the upcoming school year, and the discussion will be held at the July 16 board meeting.”
Skolnik apparently believes every story needs an element of conflict and arranges his stories accordingly.
Audrey Williams-Lee
D200 Board of Education
Oak Park