Cook County Circuit Court Judge Anna M. Loftus has granted Urban Prep Academies a permanent injunction voiding Chicago Public Schools’ decision to non-renew its charters and close the all-boys schools in Bronzeville and Englewood. The Court determined that CPS’ non-renewal decisions and subsequent actions to close the schools violated Chicago’s moratorium on school closings (105 ILCS 5/34-18.69).
The Circuit Court further ordered CPS to keep the schools open. CPS must abide by the moratorium and thus may not close, consolidate, or phase-out Urban Prep-Englewood or Urban Prep-Bronzeville until after the moratorium expires on January 15, 2025.
Urban Prep is happy with Judge Loftus's decision to allow both campuses to continue its successful record of educating young Black men in Chicago and believes justice has been served for the students, faculty and staff and families of the Urban Prep community.
“This is a victory not just for the Urban Prep community, but for anyone who has supported our cause and
believes in Urban Prep’s successful education model tailored for Black boys for nearly two decades,” said
Troy Boyd, chief operating officer, Urban Prep Academies.
As Mayor Brandon Johnson recently appointed 6 new members to the Chicago Board of Education, Urban Prep Academies is looking forward to turning the page with the City and Chicago Public Schools to working together to provide holistic support for young Black men and their families.
“Urban Prep looks forward to working with the Johnson administration, the newly appointed Board of Education, and CPS administrators and renewing a positive partnership to continue providing educational opportunities to the most at-risk demographic in this city,” said Boyd.
Both Urban Prep campuses will be open for the fall of 2023 in their current locations and are enrolling students of all grade levels for the upcoming academic year.
“We will continue to work with CPS to establish an agreement that keeps Urban Prep open for years to come,” said Boyd.