Chicago Public Schools are facing scrutiny after recent attention to Douglass High School, which was built for over 900 students but currently enrolls only 28, none of whom are proficient in reading. The situation at the Austin neighborhood school was highlighted on Mar. 11 by Corey A. DeAngelis of the Heritage Foundation, who shared the figures on social media.
The issue has drawn concern because it reflects broader challenges within Chicago Public Schools regarding student achievement and resource allocation. Observers say that maintaining under-enrolled schools like Douglass may have significant financial implications for the district.
According to DeAngelis, Douglass High School was designed for 912 students but now serves just a small fraction of that number due to population decline in the area. Despite this reduced enrollment, not one student at the school is reading at grade level.
Wirepoints has also reported that there are 53 schools in Chicago where no students are proficient in math and 17 where none are proficient in reading. These statistics have prompted questions about how city officials plan to address ongoing academic struggles and budgetary pressures.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has responded to criticism by stating, “That’s not what the people of Chicago elected me to do,” referring to calls for cost-cutting measures such as closing underpopulated schools. Per-student spending in Chicago Public Schools has nearly doubled over the past nine years, yet some argue that consolidating students into fewer buildings could save millions annually.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Board of Education have both opposed school closures, citing concerns about destabilizing communities—particularly those with predominantly minority or low-income populations. The Board is reportedly considering a policy that would prevent any closures until after 2027.
As discussions continue about how best to serve students while managing resources efficiently, stakeholders remain divided on whether consolidation or continued investment in existing schools will yield better outcomes.
