Acero Leaders Fail to Show Up at CPS Board Meeting, Frustrating Parents and Board Members

No-Show at Meeting on Proposed School Closures

Much to the frustration of parents and Chicago Board of Education members, Acero Schools leaders proposing to close seven of their charter schools failed to show up at a meeting Wednesday, which they were summoned to attend.

Board Member’s Rebuke

“I can only suppose that Acero has not come because they have nothing to say that addresses the needs of students and families,” board member Debby Pope said in an unusually candid rebuke of Acero officials.

Challenges and Controversies

Pope’s comments were among the most cutting about the charter school network, which has been in business for about 25 years and was once the darling of the school district and former mayors. CPS is planning to spend about $107 million this year for the private operator to run its 15 charter campuses.

Impact on Students and Community

Closing seven schools in June would impact about 2,000 mostly Latino students and would be the largest school closing in the Latino community in Chicago’s history.

CPS’s Response

The Board of Education passed a resolution last month that directed Acero officials to come to Wednesday’s meeting. It also threatened Acero that future contracts with CPS could be affected by the closures.

CPS’s Powerless to Force Attendance

CPS officials said they have met with Acero leaders many times and confirmed that Acero has provided CPS with all requested information. At Wednesday’s meeting, CPS Chief Portfolio Officer Alfonso Carmona said Acero had not responded to the demand they attend the meeting and that CPS can’t force them.

Acero’s Response

Later Wednesday, Acero officials responded angrily to how CPS’ senior staff handled the situation, sharing a letter sent from their attorney to CPS dated Tuesday with an explanation of why they weren’t coming to Wednesday’s meeting. “We respectfully assert that … it is not the appropriate channel for the discussion and resolution of these issues,” they wrote.

Concerns Over Transparency

CPS later said some CPS officials, but not all, had seen the letter before the board meeting. Acero officials also say that senior CPS staff promised before the meeting they would share a proposal with CPS’ potential solutions to the Acero situation, but that never happened.

Parents’ Pleas

As has happened at other board meetings, dozens of parents attended, with several pleading with the board to save the schools.

Board’s Commitment to Find Alternatives

Board members assured parents they are working to find alternatives to the closings, but they did not say exactly what they are considering. One said board members talk about the Acero schools every day. They also said they are working to make sure that future contracts with charter schools prevent closings “in this way.” The most recent Acero four-year contract with CPS runs through 2026.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the proposed school closures has raised concerns over transparency, accountability, and the best interests of students and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is the reason for the proposed school closures?
+ The proposed closures are due to a significant drop in enrollment and increased expenses.
* Will CPS provide alternatives to the closings?
+ Yes, the board is working to find alternatives, but no specific solutions have been announced.
* What is the timeline for the proposed closures?
+ The proposed closures are scheduled for June.
* What is the future of Acero’s contract with CPS?
+ The most recent Acero four-year contract with CPS runs through 2026.