Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Schurz High Principal Makes 'Tough Decision' To Resign, Joining CPS Exodus

 Dan Kramer is among the more than 50 CPS principals who've resigned or retired this year.
Dan Kramer is among the more than 50 CPS principals who've resigned or retired this year.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

OLD IRVING PARK — Schurz High School Principal Dan Kramer is among the more than 50 CPS leaders who have resigned or retired in 2016.

Kramer confirmed his announcement, telling DNAinfo via email the "tough decision" was "one of the most difficult" of his career. He did not elaborate on his post-Schurz plans.

Kramer has been at the helm of Schurz, 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave., since 2010. 

The neighborhood high school has an enrollment just below 2,000 and has struggled to attract students from surrounding communities, with many families in Old Irving Park and Portage Park opting instead for selective-enrollment high schools.

In recent years, the school has suffered successive six- and seven-figure budget cuts.

Despite these challenges, Schurz has implemented a number of creative programs under Kramer, including the school's food science lab and an annual maker fair.

A public relations fiasco surrounding Kramer's proposal to revamp the school's athletic field eventually sparked greater community involvement with Schurz, including the development of a Friends of Schurz group.

The school's local school council is now charged with the responsibility of a hiring a new principal.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: