Hundreds Of Acceptance Letters From Elite Magnet School Sent By Mistake
CHICAGO (CBS) --It was a dream come true for 16 families: admission to one of Chicago's finest K-8 schools. Then there was a big snafu on the number of congratulatory letters that went out, reports CBS 2's Brad Edwards.
Last week hundreds of parents received word of what can be for some hitting the jackpot, acceptance into the esteemed LaSalle Language Academy. But it was a big mistake.
Candice Warltier says she applied months ago and like most parents waited for a letter saying where her daughter was accepted. Next to LaSalle, it said "accepted."
"We were excited that wow, this could open some doors," she said.
The doors are open to few at LaSalle, tucked into a Lincoln Park nook. An acceptance letter can be a golden ticket.
"Got this email Monday evening saying that it was a big mistake," Warltier said. "Is this for real? Is this a joke? Oh gosh, it's CPS, one more problem, right?"
CPS sent out 512 letters. A mere 16 should have gone out.
"Due to an error CPS inadvertently offered more seats to students than LaSalle had available," CPS said in a statement. "Staff is working with families individually to help identify alternate options for their children."
But no LaSalle.
"They make big decisions on where they are admitted," Warltier said.
It's unknown where CPS is in the notification process. They've sent emails but are trying to call nearly all 500 families to let them know of the error.
