Chadsey High closure would remove 'safe zone,' protestors say

Detroit -- More than 70 people marched around Chadsey High School in southwestern Detroit on Friday to protest the planned closure of the school, which they say could add blight to the neighborhood and cause parents and students to flee.

"Kids are going to leave, and parents are going to go elsewhere," said Sheila Crowell, a neighborhood resident. "Then the neighborhood becomes more vacant and more violent."

Terry Whitfield, a community organizer, said the area has been plagued by an increase in arsons in recent weeks in and around the area's many abandoned homes, including a house across from the school. Residents worry that closing Chadsey could remove a "safe zone" in the neighborhood, he said.

"If the school closes, it's open season on the community," he said.

The closure of Chadsey is part of a broad closure plan that Detroit Public Schools' emergency manager, Robert Bobb, announced recently. Bobb said closures are necessary because many schools, such as Chadsey, are underutilized in the district.

Bobb said he'll announce his final decision on school closures May 8. A series of town hall meetings is being held before then.

Facundo Hernandez, 16, said if the school closes, some students might be forced to drop out rather than travel across the city to Southwestern High School in the fall. He also is concerned about how a large vacant school could affect the area.

"It would destroy the neighborhood," the sophomore said.

Other students said they would rather transfer out of the district than leave Chadsey, which they praised for its welcoming atmosphere for students of diverse backgrounds.

Junior Edgar Gomez, 17, said about half of Chadsey's students walk to school. He worries that there won't be adequate transportation to Southwestern, causing students to miss school.

He said the school is important to the community, which is why residents have successfully fought several plans to close it.

"We will always try to fight to keep it open," he said.

Steve Wasko, the district's spokesman, said the planned town hall meetings are important for "community vetting."

"We've also welcomed input and received many e-mails and phone calls," Wasko said. "Mr. Bobb will also be visiting affected schools during the school day before final decisions are announced."

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