Introduction to ChiArts
The board that oversees the Chicago High School for the Arts has decided not to renew its contract with Chicago Public Schools, casting doubt on the future of the city’s only arts-focused public high school.
In a message to families, ChiArts Board Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown and principal Néstor Corona said “increasing financial challenges” led the board to its “very difficult” decision, adding that rising operating costs have led to an “unsustainable” deficit.
“This means the board will not manage the school after the end of this school year,” the message said.
It assured parents that the decision will not affect the current school year. It said school leadership is “working hand in hand with CPS to secure a long-term solution that continues ChiArts’ unique conservatory model.” The school, which sits on the edge of Humboldt Park on Chicago’s West Side, enrolls about 550 students and opened in 2009.
The Chicago High School for the Arts is pictured Thursday at 2714 W. Augusta Blvd., in Humboldt Park.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
ChiArts’ Financial Challenges
ChiArts is a privately managed contract school – similar to a charter – funded by public and donor dollars. The five-hour academic portion of students’ days is paid for with public money, and three hours of arts education each day is paid for through a foundation that is supported by donors.
CPS said that no decisions have been made about the school’s long-term future.
“Any decisions about the school’s future will require more review, conversations, and collaboration,” the district said in a statement.
Implications of the Decision
This is the second privately-run, publicly-funded school to announce this school year that it plans to close in June. The board of Epic Charter School in South Chicago voted last month to close.
It comes after the Chicago Board of Education took the extraordinary step of saving five charter schools that were part of the Acero network from closing last year. Charter schools have struggled as their enrollment plummet.
Kendyl Holman, 15, stands for a photo Thursday at the Chicago High School for the Arts n Humboldt Park. The future of the school remains uncertain and students like Kendyl spent all day talking about the news of its possible closure.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Student Reactions
Kendyl Holman, 15, of Bronzeville, said she heard of the school’s possible closure Thursday, and the news has been the talk of the school the whole day.
Holman said her plan was to hone her art skills at ChiArts so she could get a scholarship to study art after graduation. The closure would add wrinkles to that plan, as she now needs to start looking at other schools to transfer to, she said.
While the school can be challenging at times, “there’s a big community here,” with its conservatory setting, Holman said.
Future Plans
In January 2024 the CPS board approved a contract renewal of two years for ChiArts through June 30, 2026. At the time it was recommended for only a two-year renewal because it received a `does not meet standards’ rating in the Financial and Operational performance evaluation.
School leaders and CPS said they will host town halls with families to discuss the move. The school is hosting a virtual meeting Thursday and an in-person gathering Oct. 6. Another virtual meeting is slated for Oct. 7.
Conclusion
The decision not to renew the contract between ChiArts and CPS has raised concerns about the future of the school and its students. The school’s unique conservatory model and arts-focused education have made it a valuable asset to the community, and its potential closure could have a significant impact on the students and families it serves.
FAQs
Q: What is ChiArts and why is it important?
A: ChiArts is the Chicago High School for the Arts, a publicly-funded school that provides a unique conservatory model of education with a focus on arts.
Q: Why did the ChiArts board decide not to renew its contract with CPS?
A: The board cited increasing financial challenges and an unsustainable deficit as the reasons for its decision.
Q: What will happen to the school and its students?
A: The future of the school is uncertain, but CPS and school leaders are working together to find a long-term solution that will continue the school’s unique model.
Q: How will the decision affect the students and families?
A: The decision could have a significant impact on the students and families, as they may need to find alternative schools and arrangements for their education.
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