New Film Tells Triumphant Story of Barbara Sizemore Academy

A film is being featured at the Gene Siskell Film Festival Wednesday evening telling the triumph of Barbara Sizemore Academy in Chicago. Filmmaker David Steiner captures the essence of the struggle of parents, teachers and students who fight back to overcome attempts by the Chicago Public Schools to close the school down under untrue accusations that test scores were below standard. Children at the school had in fact improved scores and had met all requirements asked by CPS, yet the School Board seemingling overlooked the real achievements of the school and held several hearings challenging the schools right to remain open. The film reveals the relentless efforts by the community to fight back and win, succeeding in reversing the school board's decision. The film, entitled "Saving Barbara Sizemore" will be shown at the Gene Siskell Film Center, 154 North State Street in Chicago at 6pm Wednesday, August 31st. For tickets go to www/siskellfilmcenter.com.