Introduction to the Chicago School Board Vote
The Chicago School Board is set to vote on a proposal to take over Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and allow the closure of Epic Charter School, a small charter high school in South Chicago. This decision comes as the board grapples with the challenges of managing publicly funded, privately run schools that are facing difficulties.
The Proposal for ChiArts
Under the proposal, ChiArts would become a district-run fine arts magnet school. However, the future of its conservatory program, which provides students with three hours of art classes every day, remains uncertain. The program is currently funded by a foundation supported by donors, but if the school becomes district-run, the program would need to be financed by the district. The transition is expected to cost around $1.5 million over two years, and keeping the conservatory open could cost up to $5.5 million annually.
Concerns About Epic Charter School
Teachers at Epic Charter School, which is slated to close at the end of the school year, have expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding the future of the school’s students and staff. The school, which serves mostly low-income, Black, and Latino students, has been struggling financially, and its leaders have stated that they will soon run out of money. The board is considering providing the charter with $1.4 million to allow it to finish the school year.
Efforts to Support Epic Charter School
Board member Jitu Brown has attempted to make changes to the proposal to ensure that students from Epic Charter School can transfer to a high-performing CPS school and remain with their teachers. He also wants to guarantee that any assets from the charter school are returned to the district after its closure. However, questions have been raised about the legality and feasibility of these proposals.
Conservatory Questions
The future of ChiArts’ conservatory program is a major concern for parents and students. The program, which allows students to focus on an art discipline, is a key part of the school’s unique model. Parents are worried that if the program is altered, families may choose to leave the school. The district has stated that it values the conservatory model but may need to rely on private charitable funding to support it.
Financial Considerations
The district’s financial struggles may impact the future of the conservatory program. Board member Debby Pope has stated that while the district would like to continue the program, it has equity issues and concerns for students across the city, and therefore, cannot allocate funds solely to the conservatory. The district may need to rely on private funding to support the program.
Parental Concerns
Parents of ChiArts students have expressed their concerns about the potential changes to the school’s model. Many have chosen the school specifically for its conservatory program and are worried that if it is altered, the school will no longer be worth attending. Some parents have stated that they would consider leaving the school if the program is changed.
Conclusion
The Chicago School Board’s vote on the proposal to take over ChiArts and close Epic Charter School will have significant implications for the students, staff, and families affected. While the district is working to address the challenges faced by these schools, concerns remain about the future of the conservatory program and the support for students and staff at Epic Charter School.
FAQs
- What is the proposal being considered by the Chicago School Board?
The proposal is to take over Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and allow the closure of Epic Charter School. - What is the future of ChiArts’ conservatory program?
The future of the program is uncertain, and the district may need to rely on private funding to support it. - What support will be provided to students and staff at Epic Charter School?
The board is considering providing $1.4 million to allow the school to finish the school year, but the long-term support for students and staff is unclear. - Why are parents concerned about the potential changes to ChiArts?
Parents are worried that if the conservatory program is altered, the school will no longer be worth attending, and they may choose to leave. - What are the financial considerations for the district?
The district has equity issues and concerns for students across the city, and therefore, cannot allocate funds solely to the conservatory program.
