Parents Demand Answers on the Fate of Acero Charter Schools

Nearly Two Months After Board Vote, Uncertainty Remains for Five Charter Schools

Nearly two months after the Chicago Board of Education voted to save five of the seven Acero charter schools slated for closure, Chicago Public Schools officials and the schools’ private operator still have not landed an agreement for the schools to remain open.

Parents and Teachers Express Frustration and Uncertainty

School board members joined Acero teachers and parents in asking for the status of those talks at a board meeting Wednesday and voicing their impatience at the lack of clarity on the future of the privately managed, publicly funded charter schools.

“I feel like a broken record,” said Stephanie Gomez, a mother of two kids at Acero’s Esmeraldo Santiago Elementary in Humboldt Park and a third child who graduated from the school. She said this was the ninth Board of Education meeting she has attended in the past four months.

“Fifty-four days ago we received relief and were overjoyed,” she said. “But are our schools really going to be open next year? Why is Acero still operating like the schools are closing at the end of this year?”

Gomez said Acero officials emailed families last week with very little information, as did CPS officials this week. She urged CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to weigh in.

“Transparency was a big demand, and at this point nobody’s being transparent,” Gomez said. “I want to hear from you — and so does this room — CEO Martinez. We want to know what is being done. Are my kids going to this school next year?”

Board Members and CEO Address Concerns

After the public comments, Board of Education President Sean Harden said, “It’s very important to us that we come to a conclusion very quickly,” and asked Martinez to share any updates.

“This continues to be a priority for myself, I know it’s a priority for the board,” Martinez said. “We are working diligently on the best solution possible. We’re hoping to provide you more information as soon as possible, but know that this will continue to be a priority.”

Unsatisfied with Martinez’s answer, the group of Acero parents and educators shouted questions to the CEO and board members: “There needs to be more. Can you tell us any more? What’s in the plan?”

CPS Officials Respond to Questions

In response to questions from the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, CPS officials said after the meeting that they “understand the uncertainty and difficulties” and are “engaged in productive discussions to resolve the financial challenges facing the seven campuses scheduled for closure. A formal decision from the Board of Education is expected in the coming weeks.”

Conclusion

The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Acero charter schools has left parents, teachers, and students in a state of limbo. With no clear solution in sight, it is imperative that the Chicago Board of Education and Acero officials work together to provide a solution that prioritizes the education and well-being of the students and families affected.

FAQs

* What is the current status of the Acero charter schools?
The five Acero charter schools that were slated for closure are still in limbo, with no clear agreement on their future.
* When will a decision be made on the fate of the schools?
A formal decision from the Board of Education is expected in the coming weeks.
* What is being done to address the financial challenges facing the schools?
CPS officials say they are engaged in productive discussions to resolve the financial challenges facing the seven campuses scheduled for closure.
* What is the priority for the Chicago Board of Education?
The priority is to come to a conclusion quickly and provide a solution that prioritizes the education and well-being of the students and families affected.