JEFFERSON PARK — Before school starts Tuesday in Chicago, here's everything you need to know about Far Northwest Side public schools.
Schools Remain Overcrowded
Nearly half of all public elementary and high schools on the Far Northwest Side are overcrowded, according to a report released by Chicago Public Schools officials.
But CPS officials expect enrollment at Far Northwest Side schools to rise only moderately during the 2016-17 school year.
If accurate, the enrollment projections would mean a big change for schools from last year, when eight schools experienced significant growth in the number of students.
Only one Far Northwest Side school will have more space on the first day of school, although several other projects to relieve overcrowding across the Far Northwest Side appear to be in the works.
At Canty Elementary School, 3740 N. Panama St., students will study in a brand-new $18 million annex — which includes 15 classrooms, a computer lab, music room, multipurpose room and administrative offices.
Canty Principal Lucja Mirowska-Kopec said she was thrilled to have "all students under one roof."
Bridge Elementary School in Dunning — the second-most overcrowded elementary school in the city — will get an eight-classroom modular building to relieve severe overcrowding, but not until September 2017.
Taft High School will again be the most crowded high school in the city, according to CPS projections.
Efforts are underway to build a new high school in Dunning to relieve the space crunch at Taft, but no plans have been announced.
Budget Cuts Continue
Schools across the city, including those on the Far Northwest Side, are struggling to cope with budget cuts.
Beaubien Elementary, 5025 N. Laramie Ave., will be the hardest hit of all grade schools on the Far Northwest Side, according to projections released by CPS officials. The Jefferson Park school will lose three teachers, including a fourth-grade teacher and an English as a second language teacher, Principal Michelle Ludford said.
At Oriole Park Elementary, 5424 N. Oketo Ave., seventh-grade classes will grow to 35 students each, Principal Tim Riff said.
At Taft High School, a budget cut of $500,000 will mean bigger classes, Principal Mark Grishaber said,
Elevated Levels Of Lead Found In Water At Northwest Side Schools
Elevated levels of lead were found in water at seven Far Northwest Side schools. The water fountains and sinks have been shut down, and a plan to remove the lead is being developed, officials said. Those schools are:
• Stock School in Edison Park
• Portage Park Elementary School
• Smyser Elementary School in Portage Park
• Norwood Park Elementary School
• Onahan Elementary School in Norwood Park
• Prussing Elementary School in Jefferson Park
Principal Exodus
Three Far Northwest Side schools have new principals, replacing those who left as part of a massive exodus of school leaders over the summer:
• Ryan Coors will replace Renee Blahuta as principal of Norwood Park Elementary.
• Jenn Farrell will replace Pete Zimmerman as principal of Edison Park Elementary.
• Wayne Issa will replace Dan Zimmerman as principal of Foreman High School in Portage Park.
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