LINCOLN SQUARE — The controversial proposal to open an alternative high school in Lincoln Square has been dropped, according to Ald. Pat O'Connor (40th).
O'Connor informed constituents of the news Friday afternoon via social media and the ward's website, simply stating: "Pathways [in Education] was not able to get required approvals needed to more forward with this site."
Pathways' plan to open in Lincoln Square came to light in March 2015, catching neighbors by surprise.
At that point, the school had already moved into the storefront near the intersection of Lawrence and Western avenues — accepting mail at the address and outfitting the space with computers, desks, tables and other equipment.
"No one knew about this," said one post on social media.
"There's been zero community input on this," said another.
Pathways in Education was one of four companies approved in 2014 by Chicago Public Schools as part of an expansion of programs aimed at struggling students and dropouts, technically referred to as Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs.
Its schools serve students ages 15-21, targeting, according to CPS, "youth who have been out of school, are significantly off track for graduation, are chronically truant or are otherwise at risk for academic failure."
Two months after the Pathways news, Intrinsic Charter School presented a proposal to open in Bowmanville, and also met with strong oppostion from neighbors.
Communities across the North Side rallied against charters, saying they weren't remotely needed.
Intrinsic pulled its proposal in July 2015.
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