Principals group accused of blocking school reform

A dissident group of 50 principals accused the ChicagoPrincipals Association on Tuesday of blocking school reform andcalled for giving more power to local school councils.

"We are a group of principals who really do not want to be viewedas obstructionists," said Sylvia Peters, principal of DumasElementary, 6615 S. Kenwood. "We want to come out in full support ofreform."

Peters and several other principals charged that the association'slawsuit, which challenges loss of tenure and questions theconstitutionality of the way local councils operate, is givingprincipals a reputation as anti-reformers. The case is before theIllinois Supreme Court.

"The principals …