Acero Threatens CPS Board of Education over ‘Reckless’ Comments about Planned Charter Closings
Charter School Network Accuses Board of Making Defamatory Statements
Acero Charter Schools, the private organization that is planning to close seven of its campuses next year, has threatened legal action against Chicago’s Board of Education, accusing school board members of making “defamatory” and “reckless” statements about the charter operator.
Cease and Desist Letter Sent to CPS Lawyer
A cease and desist letter sent by the charter school network’s attorney Friday to the top lawyer at Chicago Public Schools said officials were “shocked to hear the reaction” of school board members who were highly critical of Acero at a public meeting Wednesday.
Board Members’ Comments Spark Outrage
A group of Acero parents and educators angry about the proposed closures spoke at that meeting — as they have at several meetings in the past couple of months — urging the board to take action to keep their children’s schools open. Acero plans to close seven of its 15 campuses at the end of this school year, citing rising expenses and falling enrollment over the last several years and looking ahead as a financial stressor. The schools primarily serve Latino students, and these would be the largest school closings ever in Chicago’s Latino communities.
School Board’s Response
The school board, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in October after the entire previous board resigned, has said it is deeply troubled by the closings. Some members have met with Acero parents, and the board has blamed both Acero for taking this step and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez for his handling of the situation. Martinez has said his administration is looking into potential solutions but that the board gave him too tight of a timeline to act.
Board Members’ Comments
At the meeting Wednesday, several board members made unusually candid and cutting remarks about Acero, including that its officials cared more about their bottom line than their students, that they provided faulty financial statements, and that the closing of schools was “criminal.”
Legal Threats
“We are here about your children, and Acero is here about their bottom line, and those are two very different concerns,” board member Debby Pope said. “I just have to wonder why one would have so much trust in a system where these people are considering their real estate interests and not the real interests, which are the interests of your boys and girls, who are studying and learning and trying to grow and develop.”
Acero’s Response
In the cease and desist letter, Acero officials said they have complied with their obligations in their attempts to close schools, making it “false and reckless” to accuse the network of financial fraud or criminal behavior.
Conclusion
Acero’s threat to take legal action against the school board highlights the intense emotions surrounding the charter closings. The board’s criticism of Acero has been met with outrage from the charter network, which claims it is being unfairly vilified. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the two parties will work together to find a solution that benefits all involved.
FAQs
* What are the reasons behind Acero’s decision to close seven of its campuses?
+ Acero cites rising expenses and falling enrollment over the last several years and looking ahead as a financial stressor.
* Why did Acero not attend the school board meeting?
+ Acero officials said they had met with CPS officials and provided them with all requested information, and therefore did not feel the need to attend the meeting.
* What are the potential solutions proposed by CPS to address the Acero situation?
+ CPS has proposed giving Acero more money to continue running the schools for a short time or the district taking over the schools.
