WEST ENGLEWOOD — Ald. Toni Foulkes (15th) got word Thursday that one school in her ward was slated to close but none of the school buildings would be shuttered.
Foulkes said Chicago Public Schools officials told her that as part of the plan to close or consolidate as many as 50 or 55 schools, Elaine Goodlow Magnet School, a struggling magnet school at 2040 W. 62nd St., would close next year. Nearby Earle Elementary School at 6121 S. Hermitage Ave. will move into its building.
The former Earle building will be used for a new elementary magnet school that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math — STEM for short.
Students at Ezzard Charles Montessori School, a charter in Auburn Gresham, will be moved into Luke O'Toole Elementary, 6550 S. Seeley. Miles Davis Magnet Academy, which was on an early list of possible closures, will remain open, Foulkes said.
“None of the buildings are going to close and that is a victory for my kids,” Foulkes said. “My kids won’t be put in danger” by having to cross gang boundaries on the way to school.