CPS hopes to expand Safe Passage to 14 additional schools

By: WCIU Staff | January 23, 2018

Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are hoping to expand the Safe Passage program to 14 additional schools. Originally launched in 2009, Safe Passage is a model created to increases safety on common routes that students take to and from school. Community members are hired and trained to monitor these routes. This expansion is expected to cost $1 million.

“By expanding the Safe Passage program again this year, we are doubling down on a successful model that ensures the support our students need so they can focus on their studies and on their future,” said Mayor Emanuel. “By helping thousands of Chicago’s students get to school safely, this effort by the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Police Department and by our dedicated Safe Passage workers exemplifies the city’s core values.”

The new CEO of CPS, Dr. Janice Jackson is in support of this proposal.

“Student safety and academic success go hand and hand, and that success starts every day with a safe commute to and from school,” said CPS Acting CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “Safe Passage provides students with a well-deserved sense of support as they travel to and from school, helping them remain focused on learning, growing and embracing their educational experience.”

The Board of Education will vote on the proposal on Wednesday. If approved, the schools listed below with become apart of Safe Passage.