UPTOWN — The rally to fight against the proposed move of Noble Academy to Buena Park is no longer necessary.
A Noble Academy official confirmed Friday that the charter school has withdrawn its proposal after fierce opposition from elected officials and the public.
"It's become clear that it was not going to happen," said Matthew McCabe, director of governmental affairs for Noble. "The most responsible thing to do here is get a school. That's our number one goal."
The decision comes after North Side alderman, including Ald. James Cappleman (46th), principals and parents opposed the charter school moving from its Downtown location to 640 W. Irving Park Road, which was previously occupied by Lycee Francais de Chicago.
The opponents argued that the charter school would undermine the efforts or "suck the lifeblood" of the neighborhood schools. Bowing to pressure, Chicago Public Schools delayed a vote in late May.
When news broke that the proposal had officially been withdrawn, Cappleman tweeted: "Victory for our neighborhood schools. Noble will not move to 46 Ward!"
Noble officials said moving from 17 N. State St. to the Uptown building would have benefited its 187 students — and the city.
"What it comes down to is our students need a building for the school year," McCabe said.
That building won't be in Uptown — and it won't be in Rogers Park either.
Facing the same public backlash, Noble withdrew its proposal to move to St. Jerome Catholic Church, 1709 W. Lunt Ave., earlier this week.
So where are the Noble students headed?
McCabe said Noble is now hoping to move into Chicago International Charter School ChicagoQuest at 1443 N. Ogden on the Near North Side.
Unlike in Uptown and Rogers Park, Noble has the support of elected officials to make this move, McCabe said.
"It's helpful to have elected officials supportive of a great school coming into their neighborhood. We are optimistic."
The move still requires Chicago Board of Education approval. A public hearing is scheduled for June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
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