Urban Prep Wins Permanent Injunction Against Chicago Public Schools to Take Over Charters
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Anna M. Loftus has granted Urban Prep Academies a permanent injunction, effectively nullifying Chicago Public Schools’ decision to non-renew the charters and close the all-boys schools located in Bronzeville and Englewood.
The Court determined that CPS’ actions of not renewing the charters and subsequently deciding to close the schools were in violation of Chicago’s moratorium on school closings (105 ILCS 5/34-18.69).
In response to this ruling, the Circuit Court has ordered CPS to keep both Urban Prep-Englewood and Urban Prep-Bronzeville schools open. CPS is required to comply with the moratorium, meaning they cannot close, consolidate, or phase-out these schools until after the moratorium’s expiration on January 15, 2025.
Urban Prep is thrilled with Judge Loftus’s ruling, as it enables both campuses to continue their impressive track record of educating young Black men in Chicago. Urban Prep sees the decision as a just outcome for the students, faculty, staff and families of the school’s community.
“This is a victory not just for the Urban Prep community, but for anyone who has supported our cause and believes in Urban Prep’s successful education model tailored for Black boys for nearly two decades,” said Troy Boyd, chief operating officer, Urban Prep Academies.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has recently appointed six new members to the Chicago Board of Education. With this development, Urban Prep Academies eagerly anticipates a fresh chapter of collaboration with the City and Chicago Public Schools. Together, they aim to provide comprehensive support for young Black men and their families, fostering a holistic and empowering educational environment.
“Urban Prep looks forward to working with the Johnson administration, the newly appointed Board of Education, and CPS administrators and renewing a positive partnership to continue providing educational opportunities to the most at-risk demographic in this city,” said Boyd.
“We will continue to work with CPS to establish an agreement that keeps Urban Prep open for years to come,” said Boyd.
For the fall of 2023, both Urban Prep campuses are set to open their doors at their existing locations and are actively enrolling students from all grade levels for the upcoming academic year.
About Post Author
