Shootings increased near Chicago’s closed schools that sat empty, study finds

A new study from the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that Chicago’s mass school closures in 2013—50 at once, the largest in U.S. history—directly contributed to a 10% rise in gun violence near the vacant buildings. Researchers compared neighborhoods with closed schools to similar areas where schools remained open and found no comparable increase in shootings when closed schools were repurposed. The study, published in *Social Science & Medicine*, highlights the broader impact of school closures beyond academics. Lead author Thomas Statchen, a UChicago medical student, noted that schools serve as community hubs, and their loss removes public spaces for events, playgrounds, and other activities. The findings align with earlier reporting by the *Chicago Sun-Times* and WBEZ, which found that only 20 of the 50 closed schools were repurposed—far short of officials’ promises to convert them into community centers, housing, or other uses. As of January 2026, 14 of the 50 vacant school buildings remain publicly owned, despite efforts to sell or redevelop them. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) identified buyers for five vacant schools late last year, but deteriorating conditions and lack of interest have stalled many projects. The study’s authors argue that vacant school buildings exacerbate community instability, particularly in low-enrollment areas where budget cuts are already straining resources. The research adds urgency to ongoing debates about school consolidation as Chicago prepares for its first fully elected school board elections this fall. Nearly 900 CPS parents and residents expressed concerns in a recent survey, with low enrollment and underused schools topping the list of budget-related issues. CPS faces a projected $732 million deficit, forcing difficult decisions about closures and repurposing without clear solutions for vacant properties. Critics say the closures failed to deliver promised benefits, such as improved academic outcomes or community revitalization. While some schools absorbed displaced students, funding increases proved temporary, and repurposing efforts have fallen short. The study’s findings may pressure officials to reconsider closure policies and prioritize alternative solutions for struggling schools.