AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/closing/page/2/)
Residents and advocates met Monday to discuss why closing the Austin center is harmful to the community. An 11 a.m. protest is planned at the Y’s Downtown headquarters Thursday.
Some say the Oct. 1 closing will have a negative impact on the community, but a YMCA spokeswoman says the nearby Logan Square member center and services at Horatio May Community Academy will satisfy residents’ needs.
The school’s closure comes after unsuccessful attempts to raise funds required to continue operation.
Some have concerns the school, already on academic probation, could be slated for closure if its new leader can’t make improvements.
While test scores for area schools have improved, some are still at risk.
Closures would be a blow to low-income neighborhoods, advocates say.
Parents and students are still sorting out what happened last week and the future of Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy.
The 5-year-old Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy will transition from a contract school to one run by Chicago Public Schools at the end of this school year.