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Parents, alumni and teachers urge board to preserve Chicago High School for the Arts' conservatory
Summary
Multiple alumni, teaching artists, and union representatives urged the board to approve a resolution to preserve and fund the conservatory at Chicago High School for the Arts. Speakers described mass layoffs, program losses, and called for at least one year of district support while fundraising and planning continue.
A wave of public testimony on July 8 centered on the future of Chicago High School for the Arts (Shai/ChiArts). Six registered speakers — alumni, current and former teaching artists, and laid-off staff — urged the board to approve a resolution presented by board member Blaze to restore and fund the school’s conservatory programming.
Alumni described the conservatory as life-changing. Lindsey Masur said the conservatory and its teachers were the reason she stayed in school and later enrolled at Berklee College of Music. Former and current staff described widespread layoffs — teaching artists and academic instructors — and warned that the conservatory’s dismantling would strip students of pre-professional arts training. "This resolution will restore that core part of Shai Arts that makes it such an amazing place for young artists," said Lindsay Masur, an alumna who testified in person.
Board members debated the request in the context of a severe district budget shortfall. Some members urged caution, asking for concrete fundraising numbers and clarity about the projected cost; one member cited a $5 million figure previously reported, while others suggested $1.5M–$2.5M estimates had been discussed. Board member Blaze and others argued that failing to sustain the conservatory this year could force costly rebuilding and greater long-term expense.
Union representatives and CTU officials attending the meeting supported the resolution and called on the board to use fundraising and city partnerships to protect the program while pursuing broader state funding to shore up district finances. Several board members asked the superintendent for a follow-up briefing with anticipated cost estimates and possible funding sources ahead of the July 30 regular meeting.
No final vote on the Shai Arts resolution was taken at the July 8 agenda review committee; the matter was discussed and scheduled for further consideration at the July 30 board meeting.
