New Chicago Board of Education Meets for First Time
Challenged to Save Acero Charter Network
The new members of the Chicago Board of Education were challenged Thursday to help seven campuses of the Acero charter network remain open. It was the first public meeting for the board, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, and comes three weeks after previous members of the board abruptly resigned en masse.
Background: Acero Schools Propose Closing 7 Charter Schools
In a move met with anger and shock by families and educators, the Acero Schools Board of Directors voted earlier this month to close nearly half the schools in its charter network at the end of the school year, impacting about 2,000 families.
Newly Appointed Board Members Take Oath of Office
The newly appointed board members began the meeting by taking an oath of office. Rev. Mitchell Johnson was named president of the board. Mary Gardner was elected vice president. The five other members include Olga Bautista, Michilla Blaise, Debby Pope, Frank Niles Thomas, and Dr. Rafael Yañez.
Mayor’s Leadership
“Mayor Johnson is the only mayor in the history of Chicago with first-hand experience in our public schools,” Johnson told attendees. “Think about this. Of all the mayors responsible to Chicago Public Schools, the current mayor is the only mayor to send his children to these schools.”
School Board and CEO Disagreements
The new members come to the board several weeks after Johnson’s administration pushed for Martinez to resign. The CEO and the mayor are at odds on how to pay for the school district’s $500 million budget deficit, created in part by outstanding pension payments and union contracts. Martinez doesn’t agree with Johnson’s $300 million, high-interest loan proposal to cover the financial gap.
Uncertain Future for Board Members
It remains unclear how many of the new board members will remain in their posts. A new 21-member board will be seated in January. Ten members will be elected. Eleven will be mayoral appointees.
Conclusion
The challenge is clear for the new members of the Chicago Board of Education: to help save the Acero charter network from closure and find a solution to the school district’s financial struggles. With the mayor’s leadership and the board’s expertise, it remains to be seen what path they will take to address the district’s budget deficit and ensure the education of Chicago’s students.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the new Chicago Board of Education?
+ To help the Acero charter network remain open and find a solution to the school district’s financial struggles.
* How many board members were appointed?
+ 6 new members were appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
* What is the current financial situation of the school district?
+ The district has a $500 million budget deficit, created in part by outstanding pension payments and union contracts.
* What is the proposed solution by the mayor for the budget deficit?
+ A $300 million, high-interest loan proposal.
