CPS plans to shuffle schools to different buildings

CPS plans to shuffle schools to different buildings
Chairs stacked up inside the closed Parkman Elementary. CPS won’t close any schools this year, but they will pack up and move a few. WBEZ/Bill Healy
CPS plans to shuffle schools to different buildings
Chairs stacked up inside the closed Parkman Elementary. CPS won’t close any schools this year, but they will pack up and move a few. WBEZ/Bill Healy

CPS plans to shuffle schools to different buildings

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Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett made a promise not to shut down any schools for the next five years.

So far, she’s keeping that promise.

But school officials today announced plans to essentially play musical chairs with a few schools and buildings next year.  

Urban Prep-Bronzeville, 2710 S. Dearborn, would pack up and move a little further south to the old Doolittle West building, 521 E. 35th St., which currently houses the Chicago High School for the Arts, known as ChiArts. The performing arts high school already has plans to make a new home at the closed Lafayette Elementary School building in Humboldt Park.

Frazier Prep Academy, 4027 W. Grenshaw, would move in with Herzl Elementary, 3711 W. Douglas Blvd, a few blocks west. Frazier currently shares with Frazier Prospective International Magnet, which will expand in the building on Grenshaw, adding 250 students next year and could grow to as many as 930 students in future years, CPS officials said.

There will be public meetings about both relocation proposals in January (schedule listed below) and the board will vote early next year.

Urban Prep Relocation

First Community Meeting

Thursday, Jan. 9

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Dunbar High School

3000 S. King Dr.

Second Community Meeting

Thursday, Jan. 16

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Dunbar High School

3000 S. King Dr.

Public Hearing

Thursday, Jan. 23

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

CPS Central Office

125 S. Clark St.

Frazier Prep Relocation

First Community Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 7

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Manley High School

2935 W. Polk St.

Second Community Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 14

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Manley High School

2935 W. Polk St.

Public Hearing

Thursday, Jan. 23

8 to 10 p.m.

CPS Central Office

125 S. Clark St.

Becky Vevea is a producer for WBEZ. Follow her @WBEZeducation.