LINCOLN SQUARE — Lincoln Square's elementary schools largely escaped Chicago Public Schools' mass closings, but for Courtenay Elementary, which is set to move, and Chappell and McPherson elementaries, designated to take in students from other schools, the announcement raised more questions than it answered.
"I like the community we have here; it's small," said Celeste Ward, parent of a second-grader at Courtenay. "My biggest concern is how the community would change."
Courtenay, a Level 2 (good standing) school that admits students via lottery, is moving into Stockton Elementary School's building, absorbing Stockton's 475 students and becoming Uptown's neighborhood school.
According to a letter sent to parents from CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Stockton students will be "welcomed" back to their campus at 4420 N. Beacon St. in fall 2013 by Courtenay students, staff and administration.
Yet, as Courtenay parents have noted, their school's current principal is not even full-time, serving as a part-time consultant during this school year.
"Who exactly is going to take over?" questioned Christine Clark, parent of a kindergartner.
Meanwhile, Chappell and McPherson will be receiving students from shuttered Trumbull Elementary. Parents are left to wonder how Trumbull's enrollment will be divided, and how staffing will be affected.
Courtenay parents and neighbors will have an opportunity to voice their concerns at meetings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 8 and 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 11 at Amundsen High School, 5110 N. Damen Ave.; and from 8-10 p.m. April 16 at the CPS Central Office, 125 S. Clark St.
Public meetings related to Trumbull's closing will be held from 5-7 p.m. April 9 and 5-7 p.m. April 12 at Amundsen High School, 5110 N. Damen Ave.; and 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 26 at the CPS Central Office, 125 S. Clark St.
Those who wish to comment are required to sign up to speak. The sign-up window runs from an hour before the meeting's start time to the hour after the meeting begins.
Individuals will have two minutes to speak unless granted an extension. The hearing will conclude at the stated end time or following the comments of the last person who has signed up to speak, whichever comes first.
For more information on closing, relocation and colocation meetings, click here.
