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Parents and teachers press CPS to reverse colocation denial and relieve overcrowding at Haugen Elementary
Summary
Haugen Elementary parents, teachers and alumni described classrooms in closets and shared space loss after a portfolio office denial of a colocation request, and asked the board to place the request on an agenda and demand rationale from district staff.
Multiple speakers representing Haugen Elementary told the board they are operating at capacity with classrooms and special-education services held in closets and hallways. Parent Tiffany Harvey said the portfolio office denied Haugen’s colocation request without explanation and asked the board to put the request on the agenda and require the portfolio office to disclose the reasons for its decision.
Teachers and community members described practical consequences: shared rooms eliminated for specials, preschool at risk, and lack of space for small-group instruction and confidential counseling. “We have teachers providing IEP services in hallways, closets converted into classrooms,” said Zachary Cabot, a parent; “This building is maxed out.”
Speakers argued a nearby purpose-built junior high that sits underutilized could house Haugen programs and criticized what they described as inconsistent district decisions that leave neighborhood schools without promised space. Community members requested a formal needs assessment and public discussion of alternatives such as use of the former Aspira site, and asked the board to intervene so the portfolio office’s denial is reconsidered.
Board members asked staff to follow up through the board office with clearer utilization projections and the factors that drove the denial; a range of board members emphasized the importance of community engagement during any property or colocation decisions.
What’s next: Board members requested a written response on utilization metrics and the main factors behind the portfolio office’s decision; community meetings on similar sites are scheduled in the coming weeks.
