Huberman Agrees to Meet With Parents Over Dilapidated Field House

CPS said the building is outdated

On day three of a stand-off between Chicago Public Schools and parents over the planned demolition of an aging school fieldhouse, CPS CEO Ron Huberman has agreed to meet the residents to discuss their objections.

Huberman will meet with the parents as early as Monday, according to his office. The protestors say they have not received the exact date or time.

Parents plan to continue using the field house through the weekend, despite signs posted today that warn against trespassing. No arrests have been made and police are no longer on the scene.

Dozens of parents and children camped out in a Pilsen school's field house Thursday night to protest its planned demolition. The CPS has said the structure, which is covered with peeling paint and covered by a warped roof, is dilapidated to the point of being uninhabitable. The demolition had already been delayed due to delayed permits, said CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond.

The group is demanding the Chicago Public Schools build a library in the field house/community center to give Whittier Elementary School students a place to study.

"Until we have on paper and with a signature from Mr. Huberman telling us that we get the library ... we're going to stay here," said Araceli Gonzalez, whose daughter attends Whittier.

Protesters confronted Huberman Thursday during the dedication of the Benito Juarez school.  He made no public comments.

Opponents point to their own inspection report showing it is a mostly sound structure.

"Our field house and community center is in good condition, said Evelin Santos, a community organizer. "The only thing that needs to be fixed is our roof for a fraction of the price.

The students need the community center because there's no room in the school to house a library, Santos said.

"We have kids in split classes, " Santos said. "In this day of age, do you think that's fair for our children? I don't think so."

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