While the Facilities Master Plan will put all CPS students and staff into first-class school buildings, it also will create a "Musical Chairs" scenario around the district as schools move temporarily into different buildings while construction and renovations are completed.

Every effort has been made in the plan to minimize the number of students who must move into what’s called, "swing space," inside either an existing empty school or in modular classrooms set up on campus. Many of the 35 new schools to be built will go up on land adjacent to current buildings or on new sites so students won’t move until work at the new school is completed.

"The reality is that every school will move at least once during the 10 years. Even schools slated for renovations only still must be empty while work is going on because the renovations are so extensive."

Michael Burson
CPS’ Facilities Director

Most moves into swing space will last two school years, said Russ Alford, senior project manager for Turner/DAG/TYS, the district’s construction manager for the Facilities Master Plan. When a school moves into swing space, the school’s name moves with it, according to CPS administration.