Cassandra Washington

This year sees new annexes, principals, grade levels and more in Rogers Park, Edgewater and West Ridge.

Cassandra Washington served as principal for seven years and recently rallied for better school funding.

One principal said the possible school budget reductions "will cut off our life source."

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce wants to fill 100 backpacks with supplies by Aug. 21 for Gale kids.

Residents say CPS officials should have done more to help parents find alternative options.

On Monday, a man was shot near Gale Elementary causing its principal to cancel recess—outraging parents.

Principal Cassandra Washington said third graders were outside playing during Monday's shooting.

The school has struggled academically and has been plagued with facility problems, such as lead paint.

CPS told Gale Elementary's principal it didn't include the school in a federal funding request.

Last year, the school faced permanent closure, and then a $448,000 budget cut.

"It's just so sad what they're doing to the kids," said Gale teacher Roberta Kaiser.

Healthy eating and nurturing plant life taught at the school's indoor greenhouse.

At a town hall meeting, parents said they didn't want to open a school building to a charter school.

A pared down list of 129 schools facing closure did not include Gale and Field Elementary Schools.