Having high quality schools in the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park community has been a long standing mission of the Beverly Area Planning Association.  One of the ways in which we accomplish this mission is to advocate on behalf of the best interests of students when the need arises.

In 2010 when the Chicago Public School administration proposed closure of the Barbara Vick Early Childhood & Family Center due to budget constraints, BAPA staff partnered with parents and legislators to spread the word that this important community asset was in trouble.  Barbara Vick School remains open today.

BAPA staff fosters participation in school activities by parents and other residents by publishing information pertaining to programs and events in the Villager newspaper, our monthly publication distributed to all of the households in the community.  Important school information is also available on our website, www.bapa.org and through distribution of our weekly e-newsletter that is sent to several thousand households.

Alice Collins, the Coordinator of School Support maintains relationships with parents and school personnel by participating in school/community gatherings including Local School Council and Parent Teacher Association meetings.  Alice provides principals with property ownership information that is crucial in resolving residency disputes.  She also partners with parents and school personnel to resolve school safety issues.