Oliver Sicat: Santa Ana Native is Key in Chicago Education Battle Over Charter Schools

Sicat

​Oliver Sicat, 32, was born in Santa Ana to Filipino immigrant parents, earned degrees from the University of Southern California and Harvard, created a successful non-profit education organization and is now is in the national spotlight for his role in Chicago's education reform efforts.

Today's New York Times features a story about Sicat, who is expected to be instrumental in Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's efforts to close poor schools and increase the number of charter schools in that city.

One guess who might not appreciate Sicat's mission?

According to the Times story, a teachers' union isn't happy that the former award-winning LA, Boston and Chicago math teacher embraces privatization. Why? Fewer public schools means fewer public teaching jobs. Not surprisingly, Sicat's being dismissively hailed in these union quarters as "The Closer."

For that view, go HERE.

--R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly