By Conor Smith
Staff Writer The Emmanuel Administration has the potential to safely close, or overhaul, up to 80 Chicago Public Schools. A final report of commission, from about two months ago, voiced the misgivings of closing schools without major upheaval. Through a panel’s recommendations, even though filled with many disagreements, gave Mayor Emmanuel and Chicago Public School’s CEO, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, support as they made a list of schools that could be closed. The Commissions on School Utilizations noted that this interterm report filed in January questioned if the closings were not only possible, but logistical. The list was made off of a list consisting of 129 schools that can be closed. While the district was working out the lists, they reported that CPS could afford to only cut off 60-70 schools maximum, and the commission’s report shows that the distance for students would be too difficult to travel if 70 or more schools are closed. Out of the 129 schools on the block, a total of 53 elementary schools are to be shut down by the end of the year, as well as a high school program. Chicago Public School’s CEO, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, pulled high schools and high performing elementary schools off the list claiming that they would only be shut down if the school building were a hazard to students. On Wednesday, March 27th, the Chicago Teacher’s Union led a rally with support from not only teachers and students, but also people who are against the school closings. The Chicago Police Department estimated that between 700-900 protesters were there. After the rally at Daley Plaza, about 150 people had a sit-in on the LaSalle entrance of city hall. It was noted that 127 people would risk arrest, but instead were detained until off the premises and ticketed. CTU President Karen Lewis feels the school closings are an act of racism because the schools being closed are mainly populated by African-American students. “Let’s not pretend that when you close schools on the South and West sides, the children affected aren’t black,” Lewis said. “Let’s not pretend that’s not racist.” (Quote taken from Chicago Tribune source). Many of the students affected are going to schools within the vicinity of their old schools as well as higher performing schools. On March 27th, day of the rally, Mayor Emmanuel said that negotiations were over, but the rally went on anyway. The school board is expected to plan out the school closings that will take effect next year.
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