Chicago City Wire

Democrat Paul Vallas, a mayoral candidate and the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), raised the issue of school safety after multiple children were shot outside of Carl Schultz High School.   There have been shootings near two Chicago high schools already this school year.

"Even though Schurz HS voted responsibly to keep their CPD Officer, what’s the plan to keep Chicago’s school children, teachers, staff safe?" Vallas asked on Twitter. "Only 40 of CPS 100+ high schools have an officer. CPD Officers are on campus to deter active shooters, not discipline kids."

Around 2:30 pm on Aug. 26, an altercation took place near Michele Clark Magnet High School on Chicago's West Side, which led to three male teens being shot, Fox News reported. The shooting took place just as students were being let out of school for the day.  One of the 17-year-old victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was reportedly in critical condition, while the other two were shot but reportedly in good condition.                   

Around 2:45 pm on Aug. 24, a shooting outside of Carl Schurz High School on the city's Northwest Side left 4 teens injured, ABC Chicago reported. Two of the victims were 15 years old; one was shot in the neck and face, and one was shot in the back during the drive-by shooting. The 17- and 18-year-old victims were both shot in the leg.  No suspects are in custody.  Chicago Public Schools (CPS) said in a statement, "Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is working closely with Chicago Police Department (CPD) as we respond to a shooting near one of our high schools, just prior to the school's dismissal bell. The school went on a lockdown while the CPD responded and that lockdown has since been lifted and students have been released. We will communicate any additional information with the school community. Our thoughts are with those individuals injured in this incident."      

According to CBS News Chicago, Schurz High School interim principal Heidy Moran said in a letter to families, "Please know that we are taking this matter extremely seriously. CPS and CPD will be providing additional safety supports to our school this week, and many members of our community may be aware of this incident. If your child witnessed this incident and voices any concerns or fears, please contact us. The CPS Crisis Team and Schurz staff will be available to any students who may need additional support." The Chicago Police Department is approximately 1,300 officers short, CBS News reported.