What Happened To Neighborhoods When Their Schools Closed? New Documentary Explores Aftermath
A Decade After 50 CPS Schools Closed, a New Documentary Sheds Light on the Impact
DOWNTOWN — More than 10 years after 50 CPS schools closed under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a documentary premiering Sunday looks at how communities on the South and West sides have coped with the absences.
From Closure to Redevelopment
“Beyond Closure,” by Chicago-based Borderless Studio and On The Real Film, features local journalists and community advocates reflecting on the school closures and looking toward the future as some of the vacant properties are redeveloped.
The Film’s Focus
The documentary, which was funded by the Field Foundation, focuses on community efforts surrounding Granville T. Wood Elementary in Englewood, Anthony Overton Elementary School in Bronzeville, and Robert Emmet Elementary School in Austin, which all closed in 2013.
Challenges Persist
“It’s important to realize that half of these schools are still vacant. For half of the schools, nothing is happening with them, so we have these empty buildings in these neighborhoods and the impact is real for what that does to a neighborhood,” said Erin Babbin, the film’s co-director and partner at On The Real Film.
A Community’s Response
Filmmaker and executive producer Paola Aguirre said she became passionate about the aftermath of school closures in 2016 after reading a DNAinfo article that described plans to transform the closed Overton Elementary into a “live-work complex” for professionals. Aguirre, who is also a designer, knew she wanted to get involved in the project.
Redevelopment Efforts
Aguirre set out to find a way to help repurpose the school grounds of the closed schools. She founded Creative Grounds, an offshoot of Borderless Studio, in 2016 as an initiative to redevelop Overton Elementary. Creative Grounds worked with Gian Foreman, managing partner at the Washington Park Development Group, which purchased Overton Elementary in 2015, to transform the Bronzeville school grounds into a community space as part of its plans for the Overton Center for Excellence.
Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges are particularly glaring in under-resourced areas on the South and West Sides. As of 2023, 26 shuttered schools still haven’t been repurposed, said Aguirre.
Community Engagement
Aguirre also wanted to shed light on how the community organizations leading these efforts have to piecemeal funding from various sources, which can be daunting.
Conclusion
The documentary “Beyond Closure” offers a glimpse into the complexities of school closures and their impact on neighborhoods. By exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise from these closures, the film aims to spark a conversation about the importance of community engagement and the role that redevelopment can play in revitalizing under-resourced areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the documentary “Beyond Closure” about?
A: The documentary explores the aftermath of school closures in Chicago and the impact on neighborhoods.
Q: What schools are featured in the documentary?
A: The documentary focuses on Granville T. Wood Elementary in Englewood, Anthony Overton Elementary School in Bronzeville, and Robert Emmet Elementary School in Austin.
Q: What is the purpose of the documentary?
A: The documentary aims to spark a conversation about the importance of community engagement and the role that redevelopment can play in revitalizing under-resourced areas.
Q: How can I learn more about the documentary and attend a screening?
A: For more information about “Beyond Closure” and to RSVP for a screening, visit beyondclosurefilm.com.
