One of the key reasons CPS gave the nod to close 50 schools back in 2013 was because of low enrollment at those schools. But then, as now, some schools are overcrowded. For example, Ogden International School of Chicago, a K-12 on the city’s Near North Side is well over capacity because of a recent building boom and more families moving to the area. Yet Jenner Elementary, a short distance away where the Cabrini Green high rises once stood, has plenty of room. So the principals of the two schools put their heads together and created a bold plan for a merger. But the difference between the deal getting done and not getting done might have less to do with space…than race…and class. Most of the Jenner kids are black, and poor. Most of the Ogden kids aren’t. WBEZ education reporter Linda Lutton joins us to discuss the plan. (Flickr/Alan Alfaro)