But smaller rural schools struggle to offer the hands-on training that some of their students want instead, one superintendent says.

Caryn Anderson, who teaches fourth grade, was one of four Oregon teachers who received the OnPoint grand prize Friday for their dedication to the classroom. The credit union awarded each a $2,500 check for their school and another check to cover their rent or mortgage for one year.

Today, Chicago and other big cities again face similar dynamics as those that led to school closings across the country: major student population declines, aging buildings in need of repair, and budget deficits.

"I dropped out of school—actually, they kicked me out—because I didn't want to give them my hat," said one student featured in a new report. "And I had bad experiences since preschool, so it was easy for me to be like [forget] this."