Neighbor Beefs

The South Loop and public schooling have a complicated relationship. Plenty of residents see the need for a new high school, and sure enough a new and expanded Jones College Prep building is on its way. But Jones Prep is a test-in school, not open enrollment, and Ald. Bob Fioretti and a set of constituents want the old Jones Prep building converted to a real neighborhood school. Unfortunately, the Board of Education says enrollment numbers don't justify another school, particularly if and when the new Jones Prep begins offering 300 open-enrollment "neighborhood" slots in 2014. Nevertheless, 'Team Fioretti' (as Greg Hinz dubs it) is locked in a showdown with the board over student numbers and the alleged suburban flight from the South Loop due to lack of reasonable school options. What do you think should happen? [Crain's]