Haugen Elementary parents ask CPS to use nearby vacant space to relieve severe overcrowding
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Summary
Parents, teachers and LSC members from Haugen Elementary asked the board to authorize temporary use of vacant space in a nearby building (North River/Leland) as a 1‑year pilot to relieve overcrowding, preserve preschool seats and avoid splitting classes.
Multiple speakers representing Haugen Elementary described overcrowded classrooms (some kindergarten blended classes at 30 students), lack of a dedicated library, and staff forced to hold meetings without private offices. Parents and teachers urged the board to prioritize neighborhood students and allow temporary access to nearby vacant space rather than cutting pre‑K or repurposing teacher lounges.
Esther Pomranki, an LSC member, said portfolio staff had proposed splitting rooms with dividers and downsizing preschool instead of using vacant neighborhood space; she called that solution inadequate and said the community was requesting a short‑term pilot to use the third‑floor vacant space at Leland or North River.
Speakers supplied local context including neighborhood growth, high shares of Latino and low‑income families, and ethical concerns about student confidentiality when counselors meet students without private offices. Trustees asked portfolio and facilities staff to review immediate options and report back; no binding space reallocation occurred at the agenda review meeting.
