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Rep. Croke changes selective enrollment closure moratorium bill to ban all Chicago public school closures until elected board is seated

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Illinois

* I told subscribers earlier today about this development. Chalkbeat…

Illinois lawmakers want to extend a moratorium on school closures in Chicago and prevent changes at selective enrollment and magnet schools until 2027, when a fully elected school board is sworn in.

The proposal moving through the legislature first emerged in response to a resolution passed by the Chicago school board in December to develop a new strategic plan that would move away from school choice and invest more in neighborhood schools. That sparked concerns Chicago Public Schools could close or change admissions at dozens of sought-after selective and magnet schools, though board members continue to reiterate they do not intend to close those schools.

The initial bill sought to prevent the district from closing or changing admissions policies at any selective or magnet schools. Now, lawmakers are now also proposing to extend an existing moratorium on any school closures to Feb. 1, 2027. Currently, state law prevents Chicago from closing schools until January 15, 2025, when a partially elected school board is set to be sworn in.

State Rep. Margaret Croke, a Democrat serving neighborhoods on the city’s northern lakefront and sponsor of the bill, said in a committee hearing Tuesday the legislation is meant to delay any big changes until an elected school board is in place.

“These huge decisions, I believe, should be made by an elected school board because we, as a general assembly, voted for an elected school board,” Croke said.

Rep. Croke’s new bill is HB303. Amendment 3 was filed just today.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 12:58 pm

Comments

if you live in Chicago and have kids who need these services, it is a very confusing time.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 2:36 pm
Honest question: is Croke acting as Pritzker’s floor
Leader on this one?

Comment by Emerging Leaders Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 3:01 pm
Croke has a bright future. Smart policymaker.

Comment by One Time Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 3:11 pm
Have disliked Croke because of the funny business surrounding her husband, and because I supported Nancy Shepherdson for IL05 central committeewoman, but this is a massive w from her. Look at all the abandoned schools in Gary, when you close down schools you decrease opportunity for communities affected.

Comment by Macon Bakin Wednesday, Apr 17, 24 @ 5:16 pm