Sarah Karp

Reporter, Education

Sarah Karp is a reporter at WBEZ. A former reporter for Catalyst-Chicago, the Chicago Reporter and the Daily Southtown, Karp has covered education, and children and family issues for more than 15 years. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She has won five Education Writers Association awards, three Society of Professional Journalism awards and the 2005 Sidney Hillman Award. She is a native of Chicago.

Stories by Sarah Karp

- Education
Enrollment in Chicago Public Schools could drop by as much as 15,000 students this fall

Researchers are predicting the drop but stress lower enrollment could benefit the remaining students by allowing CPS to spend more per child.
Aug. 12 read more
- Education
CPS loses $30M in expected state funding

The state’s largest school district was surprisingly categorized Friday in the second tier of financial need — a move that comes with a corresponding drop in funding.
Aug. 6 read more
Star charter school head Tim King forced out after an investigation of sexual misconduct

King denies the allegations laid out in a CPS inspector general’s report and his lawyer says he’ll fight to clear his name.
Updated Aug. 3
- Education
Once named Hero of the Year, a Chicago charter school head resigns

Tim King’s Urban Prep Academies are famous for graduating its Black male students, but finances have been shaky for years.
Aug. 1 read more
- Education
Outspoken teachers spared firing in rare move by Chicago Public Schools’ board

CPS’ board almost never goes against a recommendation by the school district. In this case, over the firing of two activist teachers, it did.
July 27 read more
- Education
Chicago magnet school students can’t count on a bus ride to class as driver shortage continues

Chicago Public Schools is prioritizing students with disabilities, students who are homeless and low-income students first for bus rides.
July 27 read more
- Education
Chicago is moving forward with effort to build South Loop high school

CPS last month hit pause on the controversial school. But on Tuesday, the CHA is slated to vote on a measure that could kick start its construction.
July 19 read more
- Education
Mayoral ally tapped for CPS board, pushing out member against city’s plan for new Chinatown school

Former Ald. Michael Scott, the son of a former Chicago Public Schools board president, is being appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Updated July 15 read more
- Criminal Justice
Fleeing gunfire, Highland Park parade goers found safety in the small businesses along Central Avenue

“I had them all come in, I closed the doors, I turned off the lights” said one store’s manager, of the moments after shots were fired into the crowd.
July 6 read more
- Education
- WBEZ Investigations
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.
June 30 read more