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ChiArts community urges CPS to commit to conserving the conservatory model
Summary
Teachers, alumni and parents from Chicago High School for the Arts urged the board to commit funding and clear hiring processes to preserve the school's conservatory model as it transitions to district management.
Representatives from the Chicago High School for the Arts told the board they want a written commitment from CPS to protect the conservatory model as management transitions from a contract arrangement to district operation.
"Commit fully to funding the Shire Arts Conservatory with public CPS dollars," Megan Riley, a math teacher and department chair, said during public comment, arguing that philanthropy cannot substitute for public funding of core operations such as textbooks and payroll.
Multiple teachers and teaching artists urged transparent, multiyear leadership contracts and retention guarantees for teaching artists. "Without this commitment, teaching artists like me will be forced out of stability," Lisonbee Bystrom said. Sean Wallace, a longtime teaching artist, urged the board to make ChiArts "the premier public school for the arts and college prep in Illinois."
Board members thanked speakers and noted the transition of the school was among items the district is reviewing; no formal action was taken during the meeting. Speakers asked for specific written assurances about staff retention and clear timelines for principal selection and contract terms.
The board did not vote on funding at this meeting; speakers said they would continue engagement with board members and CPS leadership.
