NEAR WEST SIDE — Classes start on Tuesday in Chicago Public Schools, and there are big changes coming to schools in Pilsen, Little Village, the West Loop and Near West Side.
• Skinner West Elementary School, 1260 W. Adams St. The overcrowded West Loop school will be expanded by about 15 classrooms at the rear of the existing building at Monroe and Throop streets. The expansion will likely open in fall 2017 and construction is not expected impact the Skinner's school year, according to Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th). Part selective-enrollment school, part neighborhood school, Skinner West is bursting at the seams, parents report.
• William H. Brown Elementary School, 54 N. Hermitage Ave. Under a $10 million CPS plan, the Near West Side school will now focus on a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum. Additional teachers and building improvements will also be funded, Burnett said.
• Orozco Fine Arts & Sciences Elementary School, 1940 W. 18th St. Pilsen Principal Efrain Martinez has updated the school's uniform code. Starting this school year, Orozco students will have their choice — they can either wear the traditional navy and white uniform with red accents or a new uniform with a navy blue polo and khaki pants. The uniform change was approved by the Orozco School Council by a vote of 8-2.
• Perez Elementary School, 1241 W. 19th St. New Principal Jessica Johnson has been chosen to lead the school after former Principal Vicky Kleros stepped down from the Pilsen magnet school in June after seven years in charge.
• Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd. New Principal Virginia Rivera has been chosen to lead the school after former Principal Isamar Vargas Colón stepped down from the Little Village school to take a position in another school district after five years in charge.
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