ASPIRA Charter to Shut Down Haugan Middle School Over Enrollment Drop, Nearly $1 Million Deficit
Another Chicago charter school network has decided to close one of its schools, citing falling enrollment, increasing costs, and inadequate funding.
Background
The ASPIRA network, which operates three publicly funded but privately managed charters under Chicago Public Schools, approved the closure of its ASPIRA Haugan Middle School campus by a unanimous 6-0 board vote on Wednesday.
Reasons for Closure
According to ASPIRA CEO Edgar Lopez, the middle school is “running close to a million-dollar deficit.” He criticized the school district’s funding model, stating that it doesn’t help charter schools enough. He also mentioned that a new union contract with the school’s teachers has brought additional costs that are greater than the school’s funding.
Decline in Enrollment
ASPIRA Haugan Middle School opened in 2006 with 506 students. Its enrollment remained steady for over a decade, peaking at 592 kids in the 2011-12 school year. However, a nosedive started in 2017, with the school losing about 100 kids every year for several years, reaching its current low of 89 students.
Charter School Funding Challenges
ASPIRA CEO Edgar Lopez stated, “The environment in Chicago is not supporting charter schools. We have tried different ways to recruit. CPS has made it very difficult to recruit.”
Next Steps
CPS has offered to help the 43 eighth graders who are currently enrolled in the middle school to apply for high school programs for next fall. Additionally, the district will work with the 46 remaining students to find alternative placement options.
Conclusion
ASPIRA’s decision to close Haugan Middle School highlights the challenges charter schools face in Chicago, including declining enrollment and inadequate funding. The closure will likely have a significant impact on the students, teachers, and community.
FAQs
Q: Why is ASPIRA closing Haugan Middle School?
A: ASPIRA is closing Haugan Middle School due to falling enrollment, increasing costs, and inadequate funding, resulting in a nearly $1 million deficit.
Q: How will the closure affect students?
A: The 43 eighth graders currently enrolled in the middle school will be helped to apply for high school programs for next fall. The 46 remaining students will be offered alternative placement options, including the possibility of staying in the same building at North River Elementary, a CPS-managed school.
Q: What will happen to the teachers?
A: The 10 teachers who will be displaced will be offered interviews with CPS to continue working in the district, as nine of them have the necessary license to work in other CPS schools.
