Post by Frank Johnson on Jun 15, 2005 23:43:09 GMT -6
Parents credit retired teacher
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
GALESBURG - Jim Jacobs buried his face in his right hand after the District 205 Board of Education voted 5-2 Monday against closing Cooke School.
As he stood to leave the board room, Jacobs smiled and exchanged hugs with fellow Cooke School supporters.
Although the retired District 205 teacher was humble about his role in saving Cooke, the parents gave him much of the credit.
"I myself owe it all to Mr. Jacobs; he was our backbone," said Rose Campbell, mother of two Cooke students. "We fought for it but he helped us a lot."
Jacobs said the Cooke parents and community members deserved the credit for convincing the board to keep Cooke open. He said it was just a matter of the Cooke supporters putting their ideas together and organizing their arguments.
"I'm really thrilled about the outcome," Jacobs said. "I can not say enough about the wonderful people who cared about their kids, cared about their school, and stood up for it."
Jacobs said he felt going into Monday's meeting the Cooke School supporters had a 50-50 chance of a favorable outcome. Then, Jacobs said he became even more optimistic when board member Barry Swanson began talking about the additional $465,000 the district would receive in state aid.
"I said to myself, 'I think we've got a shot here tonight'," Jacobs said.
- Amanda Williams
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
GALESBURG - Jim Jacobs buried his face in his right hand after the District 205 Board of Education voted 5-2 Monday against closing Cooke School.
As he stood to leave the board room, Jacobs smiled and exchanged hugs with fellow Cooke School supporters.
Although the retired District 205 teacher was humble about his role in saving Cooke, the parents gave him much of the credit.
"I myself owe it all to Mr. Jacobs; he was our backbone," said Rose Campbell, mother of two Cooke students. "We fought for it but he helped us a lot."
Jacobs said the Cooke parents and community members deserved the credit for convincing the board to keep Cooke open. He said it was just a matter of the Cooke supporters putting their ideas together and organizing their arguments.
"I'm really thrilled about the outcome," Jacobs said. "I can not say enough about the wonderful people who cared about their kids, cared about their school, and stood up for it."
Jacobs said he felt going into Monday's meeting the Cooke School supporters had a 50-50 chance of a favorable outcome. Then, Jacobs said he became even more optimistic when board member Barry Swanson began talking about the additional $465,000 the district would receive in state aid.
"I said to myself, 'I think we've got a shot here tonight'," Jacobs said.
- Amanda Williams
