Repurposing West Side Elementary: One Chicago Community's Attempt to Reclaim a Closed School

• In Event: 46.085 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 46.085-4 - Community Ownership in School Spaces

Abstract

Large numbers of public school closures are occurring in cities throughout the United States, largely in low-income communities of color. The closure of a school disrupts relationships and social networks, and creates a need for new community space for social services and other activities that closed schools formerly provided. This collaborative case study followed one Chicago community in their efforts to reclaim a closed school and re-purpose it to fulfill the needs of the community. This study critically looks at the impact of school closure on the community, examines how educational policies and practices created obstacles for the community, and celebrates the community’s efforts to heal itself following the loss of a community institution.

Author

• Colleen Cleary, University of Missouri