Shop

As the Chicago Housing Authority closes down more developments due to failed inspections and uncorrected problems, low-income families are forced to move, ultimately putting their children into new school districts. School and housing officials informally agreed to pay for busing if students were moved from the development during the school year. However, the groups have interpretted this agreement differently. The CHA says "only children who are relocated outside a development because a building is scheduled for closure should be included." But school officials say "assistance should be available for any CHA family who moves, if a parent wants a child to remain in the school." Parents agree that pulling their children out of schools is not in their best academic interests, but many can not afford transportation. And while authorities thought moving people would create diversity, "most children who left schools serving Chicago Housing Authority developments between 1995 and 2000 transferred to schools with above-average numbers of low-income, black and low-achieving students." The Chicago Reporter provides insight on these issues.

This file is not available for digital download. IRE members may place an order by emailing rescntr@ire.org