Many in Austin oppose any more school closings - even for new school

Community members in Austin said Wednesday they don't want Chicago Public Schools closing any more schools on the West Side even if they'd get a brand new elementary school in exchange.

And their input matters because proposed rules CPS released late Friday afternoon could allow more unpopular closures after June if they're proffered by principals, parents or yet-to-be-defined "community members".

CPS still falls under a five-year school closing moratorium imposed in 2013 when it shuttered a record 50 schools, mainly in African-American neighborhoods. Officials have since found ways to close a few more, and are about to shut down four high schools in Englewood after agreeing to replace them with a brand new $75 million school. The reasons given: dwindling enrollment combined with strong community support for a new facility.

Meanwhile, CPS officials have been speaking with elected officials, including state Rep. La Shawn Ford and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) about Austin's schools, which are not exempt from district-wide shrinking enrollment. Ford listed Spencer Technology Academy, Hay Elementary Community Academy, Lewis Elementary and Leland Elementary School on his meeting agenda as the possible targets for closing due to underenrollment.

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