Lafayette Elementary string orchestra tunes up despite uncertain future

May. 17, 2013
It’s obvious when you walk through Lafayette Elementary that music is a big part of the school. Every weekday afternoon, students toting violins, violas and cellos shuffle down the third floor of the building.

March in protest of CPS closings

May. 17, 2013
Protesters marched against the plan to close more than 50 Chicago Public Schools over the weekend.

50,421 Chicago kids in homerooms over the class size limit

May. 16, 2013
Classroom sizes for those in kindergarten, first and second grades are higher than the limit set by CPS.

Parents file lawsuits over school closures

May. 15, 2013
A pair of lawsuits filed Wednesday challenge Chicago Public Schools plan to close 53 elementary schools, claiming the proposals disproportionately affect African American children and could irreparably harm students with special needs.

Activists seek celebrity aid to keep Englewood school open near garden

May. 10, 2013
South Side activists approached Jennifer Hudson to help save Yale Elementary from closure. They say the school's garden is integral to larger urban agriculture efforts.

CPS wants to close first Renaissance schools

May. 8, 2013
Chicago school officials want to shut down the schools created by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during his time running CPS.

Hearing officers oppose some planned school closures

May. 7, 2013
Hearing officers come out against 11 school closings and 1 co-location. They recommend holding off until 2014-15 on two additional school closings.

CPS quietly lowers estimated cost savings from school closings

May. 2, 2013
Chicago’s school district had told the public that closing 54 schools would save $560 million over 10 years. Now says that number is $438 million.

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