Sarah Karp

Stories by Sarah Karp
Celebrated all-boys charter school in Chicago cited by CPS for ‘dismal’ financial management
CPS says Urban Prep operated using cash advances and predatory loans. School leaders say its financial issues have been resolved.
Does Chicago’s Near South Side need a new $120 million high school?
The Chicago Board of Education postponed a vote on Wednesday on a controversial proposal to build a new high school near Chinatown.
As cops leave Chicago public schools, staff move fitfully toward a new model of helping students
The departure is part of a broad effort to move away from suspensions and arrests. But replacing police in schools has proven to be complicated.
Private fundraising in Chicago Public Schools — who wins and who loses?
WBEZ found that fundraising by CPS schools has skyrocketed since 2010. And the big fundraising is by schools where most kids aren’t low income.
Stacy Davis Gates elected Chicago Teachers Union President, defeating two challengers
The current CTU leadership group was reelected in the union’s most hotly contested race since their slate came to power in 2010.
Chicago teachers will soon decide if their union should remain a political force for social justice
In a May 20 leadership election, teachers will choose whether to focus more on classic concerns such as pay, prep time and pensions.
A winning Chicago public school made the city softball playoffs. But CPS couldn’t get them to the field.
Hancock Prep didn’t compete because there was no bus. Players say this shows a lack of support for their Southwest Side school and others like it.
Racial issues remain unaddressed at Jones College Prep, students and staff say
A new racial equity study underscores frustration among students and staff, and the ways in which school leaders have failed to tackle these issues.
Chicago public schools brace for budget cuts as enrollment continues to decline
Parents and community members say the reduction in resources will hurt students already struggling with the effects of the pandemic.
Chicago Public Schools is flush with federal COVID-19 relief cash but is spending little of it
A WBEZ analysis shows that 69% of the $536 million in federal COVID relief money CPS budgeted this year is unspent.