Shedd School as seen in December

Shedd School as seen in December 2016

The issue of Shedd School came up at the last of this year's community meetings with Ald. Anthony Beale in October. There is interest in re-opening Shedd as a school and Beale's response was to a written question posed by a resident in attendance.

Unfortunately it was noted at the meeting that Shedd was closed because of declining enrollment. While the question noted an increase in children in the community Beale suggested that it still isn't enough to justify reopening that former school. If it were to ever re-open there may have to be consideration of bringing in students from outside of the neighborhood.

In the meanwhile the school remains for sale as there are signs on the building as I saw from this past summer, pictures were shown on our ig account. Beale pledged to let the community know of any bidders on the property.

A photo posted by The Sixth Ward (@thesixthward) on Sep 2, 2016 at 5:57pm PDT

Took these shots of the Shedd School property

On my walk to Pullman a few days ago. It was a wet rainy day as depicted in these photos. The first two pics are of the front one is similar to the shot you see in the Shedd School blog's header.

200 E. 99th Street

200 E. 99th Street

Here's the backlot a field that I used to play around in during recess and of course before school started the kids would play in this field also. Fun days and sadly no longer common. I'll explain after this pic.

Looking from 98th & Indiana

Shedd School has been closed since about 2013 and the local community organization Roseland Heights Community Association has been concerned about a zoning change for this property. It has been zoned for industrial use and therefore a concern is now seen over this greenspace just a block away from Michigan Avenue.

As a former student there, it's unfortunate that classes are no longer held here. However, my hope is that the greenspace remains for the community. If the building remains then it shall be used for the benefit of the community.

Sidenote - I've been using this accessory on my smartphone called an olliclip. Basically this is something you can slip onto your iPhone, iPad or Android devices and take shots with various lenses to enhance your mobile photography. That's why one of the pics above seem unusual.

What is going on at Shedd School

See the ivy growing over the windows at the closed Shedd School. Vegetation growing over the windows to the kindergarten classroom and across the way over the windows to the auditorium. At least the rest of the property appears to be well maintained as the grass is cut.

PHOTO: Public notice at Shedd School

On Friday, I went over to the former Shedd Elementary School - 200 E. 99th Street - to take a few snapshots. One example using a lens I bought for my phone was posted Friday with more information on talks between the surrounding community and 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale on a proposed zoning change.

The pic you see above is a public notice stapled to a wooden pole regarding the proposed change from a residential single family home to a manufacturing/business zone. There is a zoning hearing coming up on AUgust 27, 2015 also noted on this blog.

Shedd school meeting with Alderman

200 E. 99th Street

Another email sent on Thursday provides another update regarding the zoning hearing for Shedd School

• Shedd School Meeting With Alderman
  
  Last night The East/West 99th Street Block Club met with Alderman Beale with concerns about the zone change on the Shedd School location. Same story as the July 9th Ward Community meeting; no new information was given.
  
  The Alderman said one or two people could still attend the hearing down town. Zoning Amendment will be heard in Council Chambers of CITY HALL; 121 N. LaSalle Street; 2nd flood of City Hill, on August 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM
  
  A notice was sent to anyone who has property within 250 of area affected. If you have any objection to the application you will have an opportunity to address the Committee.
  
  If you did not attend either meeting and want to know more please forward any questions you have to the Alderman who proposed this change.
  
  ALDERMAN ANTHONY A. BEALE AT 312-785-1100 or 312-744-6838 

It had also been noted that it's best to contact Ald. Beale at his 9th ward service office at 312.785.1100 as the other number is for city hall and it doesn't get answered.

Previous posts

• Zoning hearing regarding Shedd School
• What about Shedd? 
• Follow-up to Dec. 15, 2014 Shedd School meeting  

Shedd School zoning

200 E. 99th Street - Shedd School

Below is a letter we just received recently alerting us to a public zoning hearing on August 27, 2015 at city hall. It's is regarding the zoning of Shedd School which will go from residential zone to a manufacturing zone. To put this into further perspective consider this community e-mail blast that I had posted last week. This letter also note that those concerned will have an opportunity to address the zoning committee and to also forward any questions to Alderman who proposed this zoning change. That Alderman in this case being Anthony Beale.

What About Shedd?

Closed Shedd School

Found this in an e-mail blast, more news about the closed Shedd School in Roseland Heights at 200 E. 99th St.:

• Thanks to all who attended the 9th Ward meeting last night.
  
  The table I was sitting at did not get cards to write questions for [Alderman Anthony Beale]. I was given cards after I asked , but they were never picked up! Others told me they were not given cards also.
  
  However the alderman did answer the question about the Business Zone being put on the school. He said he did that because no business would want that location and it would stop others from buying it until he could discuss want the community wanted in the location. Really???
  
  These former schools sites are not being sold to meet the needs of the community, they are being sold to meet the needs of CPS...money, money, money!
  
  A CPS CEO says “While there is still work to be done, we are working deliberately to ensure former schools sites bring value to CPS and their local communities for years to come.” ...and the game goes on.

Here are some related posts on the news related to Shedd School.

Another follow-up to Dec. 15, 2014 Shedd School meeting

Closed Shedd School @ 200 E. 99th St.

Sharon Banks-Pincham is not only a resident of West Chesterfield, she is also an local school council member at Harlan Community Academy who I've had the chance to meet when I attended LSC meetings there. She sent me an e-mail regarding what happened at the Shedd School meeting with 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale on December 15, 2015. For additional context here is a link to the notice that I had recieved via e-mail not long before that meeting.

DNA Info did their own follow-up from that meeting we shared that here.

DNA Info: Residents Rip CPS' Rejection of Private School's Offer To Buy Vacant School

Levois J of The Sixth Ward :P

So the fight continues over what to do with the closed Shedd School - 200 E. 99th St. Shedd was closed in 2013 due to declining enrollment having been used as a branch of the larger Bennett School located at 10115 S. Prairie Ave.

Recently there was a meeting held at the office of 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale. It was advertised here on Saturday and this DNA Info article discusses the debate over the sale of Shedd.

The neighborhood of Roseland Heights had been in support of a religious school ultimately moving into the former school apparently CPS accepted the bid of a real estate developer. Needless to say the leaders of the Roseland Heights Community Association wasn't too happy about this development. Here's why:

In fact, Patricia Hernandez, an official with CPS' Department of Procurement, told the group that Shedd's sale wasn't technically part of those being repurposed in the June 2013 closings. Therefore, "soliciting community input is not required or incorporated into this process," a Dec. 9 email to the Roseland group states.

The email stated that the district was required by law to take the highest bidder.

"If that is true, why did they tell the Rescue Missionary School something different?" Tucker asked. "Why did they say they needed community approval?"

CPS officials did not address that in Wednesday's statement but said that the district did have the discretion to resolicit bids if necessary. They said, however, that community input will not be required in the process going forward.

This article mentioned in passing the meeting that took place with Alderman Beale regarding Shedd School. He had been quoted in that article but hopefully someone out there will let us know what happened at that meeting. And hopefully some updates regarding the rebid for Shedd School.

Meeting on the closed Shedd School

MEETING NOTICE!

All Communities Are invited

Please join us for our Meeting on
Monday, December 15, 2014
Discussion: The Sale of Shedd School

Invited Guest: The Every Block & Educational Village Keepers community organizations, concerned citizens; union affiliates & Alderman Anthony Beale

Shedd school was closed in 2013. The school is in a one block park with ball field and play lot. CPS took bids to Sale the school. The top two bids were Rescue Missionary school, which had community support and a housing developer who's name is still unknown. On Wednesday December 3, 2014, we heard from Principal Marilyn Keeter of Rescue Missionary School to inform the community that CPS has given Shedd school to the housing developer. CPS has not given us the name of this organization. We thought that whoever made a bid for the property must have the consent of the community. CPS says soliciting community input is not required or incorporated into this process and it's up to Alderman Beale as to what will be done. If he truly cares about encouraging a greener ward he will not let this developer come into our community and take our green space to build houses.

We plan to meet with him
When: Monday December 15, 2014
4:00pm
Please arrive by: 3:30
Where: 9th Ward Office
34 East 112th Street Chicago, IL 60628

Maintaining the closed Shedd School...

These pictures were shared on May 22 in the Bennett-Shedd Elementary School FB group. Then wrote in the comments that the grass had been cut by that Sunday afternoon. Then on the afternoon on June 5, 2014 I took a few snapshots with my phone outside of Shedd School.

I got more than just taking pictures of cut grass. I think putting gang graffiti on a school building abandoned or not is vulgar in the worst way!

The pics below was taken near the school's front entrance and shows some gang graffiti. Very vulgar findings on a former place of learning. Here's hoping someone can take command of this building and be able to keep this school's grass cut and and vandalism off this property.

Shedd School a satellite location for Chicago State...

Shedd School in spring 2012

Back in September I wrote about my ideas about what to do with the closed Shedd School building. As of the current school year Shedd branch was closed and all students will be attending class at Bennett School.

A persistent report from the Roseland Heights Community Association (RHCA) was that Shedd School could ultimately become an annex for the nearby Chicago State University. So at least plans are being made to utilize this building, but I do need to ask some questions so I may have to get back to the RHCA about them.

For example will Chicago State own the building or will it remain a CPS owned property?

A question that no one could possibly answer is whether or not in the near future could Shedd School be used for the neighborhood children if enrollment changes for the better. That is if Bennett School exceeds their expected enrollment (and as stated in that earlier post Bennett School had been experiencing enrollment declines) could it re-open for students.

All the same stay tuned for any updates on this development.

What to do with the closed Shedd School building?

Shedd School back in April 2012

While not part of the official closed schools list Shedd School, branch of Bennett Elementary School, had been closed down as of this year. While disappointing it probably shouldn't have been a huge surprise.

Having attended many meetings of the Bennett-Shedd Local School Councils it was noted that there have been an enrollment decline attributed to families either moving from the area or wanting to take advantage of other educational options such as charter schools. Whatever affected Bennett also affected Shedd School as well.

Whatever prompted this decision, Shedd School is now an empty building just like many around the city that have been closed in the past year mainly due to underutilization. Many communities affected are probably considering what they can do with these decommissioned school buildings. Can we afford to let them sit empty without a general use?

Over at RAGE's FB page there was an article about how a Kansas City neighborhood has come to grips with this issue. They turned one closed school into a community center.

If I recall correctly, this was something that was proposed by former 6th ward Ald. Freddrenna Lyle when unsuccessfully she ran for re-election back in 2011. Although in this case closing down schools hadn't yet found itself on the city let alone the 6th ward's radar. She proposed that when school is not in session that the buildings themselves be turned over to the community for their use.

So we have plenty of closed school buildings throughout the city perhaps it's time to figure out a use for them or at the very least re-imagine a use for the land they sit on. Hopefully if enrollment doesn't turn around for Bennett in the next few years I could see Shedd School becoming at least the new meeting place for the Roseland Heights Community Association for example

Also, if you want to see one argument in favor of school closings here's one presented by Artistmac in one of his YouTube vids. This is added while recognizing that there are many who are still upset with the school closings this year.

Finally, the pic below shows a sign announcing that for the 2013-14 school year all students will be attending the sister school at Bennett Elementary located at 10115 S. Prairie Ave in the nearby Rosemoor neighborhood. The sign was still posted to the backdoor of Shedd where in the past students would line up before classes would start for the day.

Bennett-Shedd LSC: Principal selection and other issues...

Bennett Elementary School

I like to talk about about what goes on at Harlan's LSC, but I rarely talk about Bennett-Shedd's LSC here. It's not like there's much going on to report at Harlan anyway. Although it's great to hear them trumpet some of there accomplishments at Harlan as far as the students go.

Basically the main thing going on at Bennett-Shedd is that they're just now starting their search for a principal. The process might have started at either the April and certainly the May LSC meeting when they wanted to draft a statement to announce their opening at the elementary school.

If you haven't been particularly familiar with Bennett-Shedd, the original principal was Barbara Ellis who passed away in January of this year. In honor of her legacy Bennett School's library was named the Dr. Barbara J. Ellis Media Center. On the next Monday after the May 2011 LSC meeting there were some events scheduled to commemorate the dedication of the library which was under renovation.

In any event, there should be a posting out there for the Principal vacancy for Bennett-Shedd Elementary School. It should be noted that that the assistant principal, Roberta Fields, announced at the May LSC meeting that she planned to apply for that position . She could be an interesting choice and provide a certain amount of continuity.

So, I've been attending these LSC meetings since October 2010 when Mrs. Ellis was still principal. Of course in the wake of her untimely passing it was noted - mainly by the LSC chairman Mr. Cartman - that Mrs. Ellis took care of a lot of things that LSC was supposed to have taken care of. Now that she's gone they have to take care of business now.

Since about February or so, the LSC meetings have been attended by a CPS representative who breaks in to give the council pointers on how to conduct their meetings. It could be on parliamentary procedures, on how the LSC needs to stay focused, taking the roll such as noting who's not physically in the room, in addition to urging LSC members to start their meetings on time. Yesterday's meeting was close to 30 minutes overdue!

It's safe to say that during the months when it was time to start a principal search, there are some things that need to be done differently. At that hopefully the sooner they start searching the sooner that Bennett-Shedd will find and offer a contract to the best candidate for Principal. This would definitely be a case of staying focused.

Another thing noted is that the CPS representative wants the LSC to be sure that they publicize the date of their next meeting on the agenda that's passed out at every meeting. They could also announce that date during the course of the meeting. While I did have a list of dates for LSC meetings during the 2010-2011 year sometimes they would change the scheduled dates. In fact there have been some specially called meetings and I would have little idea until I either see the board at either Shedd or Bennett or notice the agendas of other meetings that were missed.

Well I believe it was noted at this month's regular meeting that there will be a special meeting called and that should take place on Monday @ 4:30 PM. The LSC went into a closed session near the end of the meeting to further discuss the Principal vacancy. The main point of this meeting was to have parents give feedback on the process but only one parent showed up and she was involved with the Parent Advisory Council. In addition they wanted to create surveys for not only teachers but for parents. They also wanted to possibly offer a survey for the surrounding community as well.

There is a question that should be asked by all concerned about the Principal vacancy. What are they looking for in a new Principal? That would be my question, shall report on the answer!

FYI: Bennett School is located at 10115 S. Prairie Ave and its Shedd School branch is located at 200 E. 99th Street.

EDIT: Had to fix the address for Bennett School sorry about that!

Very sad Bennett-Shedd LSC meeting January 12th...

I think there's some interest in this. If you've been following the FB page, Barbara Ellis was the Principal at Bennett-Shedd Elementary School. Sadly she passed away on Monday. This is a personal story as she was my 3rd Grade teacher before she eventually was promoted to Principal. I would like to post more thoughts later but only for publication on the day of her funeral services (provided in a link at the end of this post). Cross-posted from Shedd Public School.

I wrote in my notebook twice about people getting emotional :'(, it was a really sad meeting under the circumstances. I was actually looking forward to seeing Mrs. Ellis again, but I had no idea December was going to be it. Some of the staff said that she was actually on vacation and she even came in at some point before she passed on.

There was some business discusses such as new computers and the new copier at Shedd School that was agreed on the previous month. This was the first time I didn't speak at the meeting. It was easier to do being the only one there as I was in both October & December, but there were more people there. Not sure how many parents but none spoke or identified themselves as such. One man said he was president of the No Child Left Behind program at Bennett.

In public participation the ones who participated was a 5th Grade teacher at Shedd and the President of NCLB who discussed ways to reach out to the community. An issue I am concerned about, but on this occasion I chose to hold my fire at that time. Actually I wanted to tell Mrs. Ellis about this blog, and sadly I waited too long.

Any event the meeting was called to order at 3:55 PM and I left when the LSC went into closed session at 4:42 PM. Here's the acutal agenda.

Bennett Shedd LSC Agenda

The previous post has info on funeral services.al services.

LSC meetings this month

Since I have successfully attended three LSC meetings (two each for Bennett/Shedd Elementary and one for Harlan High School) before 2010 came to a close. I'm going to go for both this month as the schools have returned to session in the new year.

To clarify, yes Bennett School (located @ 10115 South Prairie Avenue)  isn't in the 6th Ward. It's just south of the Calumet (Bishop Ford) Expressway in the 9th Ward. However, Shedd School (located @ 200 E. 99th Street) which is located in the 6th Ward is connected with Bennett School as it is considered a branch. Thus the Bennett LSC is also over Shedd School. Their meeting is scheduled on January 12, 2011 @ 3:30 PM. Check out this LSC meeting dates for Bennett/Shedd.

Harlan's LSC (located @ 9652 S. Michigan Ave.) will meet on January 20, 2011 @ 6:30 PM. You can check out dates for Harlan's events through their official website.

I sincerely hope that I won't be the only member of the public to attend either meeting as had happened at both Harlan's and Bennett's past meetings. It is my belief the community should know what's going on at their neighborhood schools as in some way what goes on or doesn't go on will affect us in someway in the future.

Also, in recent months a community representative at Ruggles School @ 7831 S. Prairie Ave has reached out to the blog. Hopefully in future the community could pay a visit to LSC meeting there as well. I expect to post a notice for future meetings there, but the Ruggles LSC usually meets on the last Thursday of every month.

LSC meeting for Shedd

Well I do want to cover LSC's and this one I could make depending on my schedule. Of course Shedd School is a branch of Bennett and the Oct. 20 (starting at 4PM) LSC meeting is actually there located @ 10115 S Prairie Ave. Right across the Calumet (Bishop Ford) Expressway in the Rosemoor neighborhood.

It's unfortunate that the only way I can know of events at Shedd School is by having to look at the sign outside of the school. Surely members of the surrounding community would want to know what's going on at the local elementary school just as easily as they're worried about Harlan.

At least to Harlan's credit we don't have to search far and wide for events. All we have to do, especially if we're web saavy is to check out Harlan's website. Unfortunately they utilize other social media such as Ning, Twitter or even Blogger and yet they don't update those as much as perhaps I would like them. Although it's understandable that doing so takes a lot of time anyway.

As I am with Harlan, I'm very curious as to what's going on at Bennett-Shedd because well I used to go to school there as well.

The first day of school is tomorrow!

I took this picture outside of Shedd School on 200 East 99th Street last Friday.


For most schools in this ward the first day of school is tomorrow. If you have children attending the first day of school tomorrow let us know how it went.


I hope you all have a safe and happy Labor Day!


ALSO, I have a post up at my other blog that I named for Shedd, because I was once a student there. If you have any connection to that school feel free to share your thoughts on the first day of school at Shedd there as well. The invitation is out for Bennett School parents as well since Shedd is a branch of Bennett.

Outside of Shedd School on August 17th, 2009

The first day of school is on Sept, 8, 2009. That is in about another week. In fact it's hard to believe Labor Day is coming up next Monday. For some reason I though tomorrow was Labor Day.

Is anyone looking forward to their 1st day of school next week? If so express your excitement here.

A pair of items from the RHCA

Roseland Heights community council newsletter

Stop Illegal Activities in Abbott Park: Call 911 if you see

1. Any person parked on grass, or who leaves any vehicle in any part of a park between the closing of gates at night, (10:00 PM) and their reopening on the following day or operates.drive any motor care, automobile or vehicle of any kind in the park (on or off grass).
2. No person the age of 12 or older shall use playground equipment. Use your judgement if teens maybe, never adults 911 *(for Shedd also)
3. *No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, brought, give away, delivered or consumed on park property
4. *No person shall organize/sponsor any group activities (50 persons) in park or facilities unless approved by General Park Superintendent or any person without a permit conducting an event involvine more than 50 individuals, sale of goods, amplified sound, or commercial activities. They must have a permit call (312) 747-1592 to check then call 911*
5. *It is unlawful for any person to loiter, loaf, stand, or remain idle alone or with others on park property after park is closed at 10:00 PM. Call 911
6. No person shall engage in soliciting on park property without permits. * NEVER on 95th Street with or without permits 95th is a NO peddling zone. Whenever you see sales begging, or peddling of any kind (from State to King Dr.) call the police 911

Stop Illegal Activities in Harlan High School parking lot: Call 911 if you see or hear

1. Groups not authorized to use school grounds, parking lot or CPS property
2. Large groups using parking lot for rehearsal, partying, sale of goods, amplified sound, or commercial activities after school is out, or over the summer
3. No perso shall light or make use of any fire. NO fire ever! If you see fire call the police and fire department.
4. Use of CPS property for day camps, play classes, or any group activities in parking lot is unlawful any time.
5. NO alchoholic beverages shall be sold, brought, given away, deliverered, or consumed on CPS property. NO alcohol ever!
   

Typing that was hard work, I wonder if I should just post the newsletter itself. There's more info than where that came from!