IL SR1620

Illinois Senate expresses condolences upon the death of James Deanes, a nearly 20-year employee of Chicago Public Schools who retired in 2013 as senior policy adviser for Local School Council relations.

James Deanes was instrumental in the school reform movement that created the Local School Council model; appointed by Mayor Harold Washington in 1987 to lead the Parent Community Council, which advocated for legislation giving parents greater involvement in their children's education.

Active community member who started youth baseball teams in the Austin neighborhood, organized anti-drug marches, and served on PTAs and school organizations.

Survived by five children: Kenya, Corey, James, Malcolm, and Denna; preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn.

Senate directs that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Deanes family as an expression of sympathy.