The Chicago Public school system has been far from exemplary. Earlier this year, six of Chicago’s public schools extended their school day by 90 minutes - lengthening what is currently the shortest school day in the nation - giving students the quality education they deserve. But what about neighborhood schools that are still struggling?

According to Education Resources Information Center, since 2009, Chicago Public Schools has closed 44 schools due to poor academic performance or under-utilization. In 2006, CPS modified its school closing policy to focus on turning around academically weak schools instead of closing them. In a turnaround school, students are allowed to remain in the same building while all or most of the staff is replaced. As of 2009, there are 12 turnaround schools in Chicago.
The Chicago Teachers Union Research Department developed maps locating the school closings in relation to race, foreclosures and public housing. The maps show that since 2001, the communities most affected by CPS school actions are those that have also been most affected by the economy and urban economic development policies.

On Dec. 3, 500 teachers, parents, students and community members came together at King College Prep for Community Board’s “Teach-in Against School Closings,” to protest CPS’ 10 proposed turnarounds, five school closings and two gradual closings called phase-outs. The CTU and other community members are also opposed to CPS’s decision to open 12 new charter schools, including three more for United Neighborhood Organization, which has three of its nine schools falling below district averages. Even though state performance data showed that some students did not perform any better in state exams than those in neighborhood schools, charter schools have yet to make the closings list.

CPS has scheduled hearings in ...