Parents, teachers and community volunteers from Haugen Elementary delivered a sustained, unified appeal to the board on Dec. 3, describing severe overcrowding that community members say has forced classes into hallways and closets and left no dedicated space for special‑education supports, libraries and enrichment.

Why it matters: speakers said the school is operating at capacity and that students with disabilities and early‑childhood programs are particularly at risk when there is no private space for services. They urged the board to reverse or revisit a recent portfolio decision that denied Haugen’s colocation request and to provide a clear path forward with public community input.

What speakers said: Meg White, an Albany Park homeowner and Haugen volunteer, said she was "shocked" to learn the school's community‑led colocation request was denied. Anne Kaupe, a parent and former CPS student, described kindergarten classes with 30 students and asked the board to allow use of a nearby building to preserve neighborhood continuity. Teachers and LSC leaders, including Tiffany Harvey, said they had been told the portfolio office denied the request without offering a path forward or explaining the rationale.

School operations and alternatives: community members repeatedly pointed to an underutilized Espira building nearby and urged the board to consider that site as a receiving space. They requested that the portfolio office make its analysis and the denial rationale public and urged the board to place the colocation appeal on an agenda so residents can weigh in formally.

District response and follow‑up: board members asked staff to provide additional clarity on utilization metrics, the colocation decision factors (facility condition, financial implications, feedback from potential receiving schools) and the projected 2025–26 utilization methodology referenced by district staff. Several board members asked staff to return with data and to coordinate with local aldermen and community stakeholders.

Ending: speakers asked for written commitments that Haugen will be prioritized for space solutions and for transparency about portfolio decisions and utilization formulas so families can plan for next school year.