Hey, it's Curia City editor Susie On.

Around this time of year, eighth graders in Chicago public schools decide what high school they'll attend next year, or find out what high school they were accepted to.

The scenario isn't that far off from receiving a college admissions letter.

But this year, there's another reason why this process is a buzz.

With its vote, the school board moves toward what they call a reimagined vision.

Emphasizing a focus on neighborhood schools and moving away from magnet schools or selective enrollment for schools.

Some board members say the district has now pit schools and students against each other.

It has provided opportunities for some, but our data is

showing it has also exacerbated inequities. Unlike in the suburbs where most kids go to the

district high school they are assigned to, students in Chicago public schools can bypass their

neighborhood high school. There are many schools to choose from, but the most sought after are

selective enrollment high schools.

Grades and scores on an admissions exam determine who gets into these highly competitive programs.

The Chicago Board of Education says it's become too much like the Hunger Games, and they want to change that.

But they don't have a plan yet.

Curious City listener Joe Gendalfi

wondered how this even became a thing for CPS in the first place. The admissions process is

gerrymandered to try to make them at least somewhat diverse. So he assumes they had something to do

with a desire to desegregate schools. What were some of the interests that opening selective enrollment schools

would serve and what were some of the political battles behind making those happen?

Joe's a teacher at a neighborhood high school. There's a lot of concern about the lack of

offerings at some city high schools. but there are many others that are vibrant

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