About the Entry

As cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools spend millions on new schools and additions, further cementing race and class segregation in the district, WBEZ examines ways in which these policy decisions lead to real-world consequence for students, educators, and families.

• How School Construction Keeps Chicago Kids Segregated
• One School Gets an Annex; Another is Left Behind
• West Side Alderman Balancing Spending With Segregated Schools
• Beverly Parents Tell Alderman To Rethink Schools Plan
• Integration of Gold Coast, Cabrini Green Schools Thwarted by City Leaders
• Chicago Keeps Some School Construction Plans Under Wraps
• No Ordinary Merger: Gold Coast Meets Cabrini Green

Entry Credit

• Cate Cahan, Editor, Education and Special Investigations, WBEZ
• Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ
• Becky Vevea, Education Reporter, WBEZ

Comments from the Judges

“While the topic of school segregation is well-covered ground in education reporting in recent years, this series adds to the audience’s understand of how and why segregation persists. The writing and presentation of the pieces is excellent.”

“This is not a topic that is ‘sexy’ but the reporters kept me listening through clear writing and by sprinkling in specifics — specific dollar amounts, specific buildings, specific city decisions. Thorough reporting.”

SEE THE FULL LIST OF 2016 FINALISTS