Parents, Staff, CTU Demand Acero Schools and CPS Stop Closure of 7 Charter Schools
A united front of parents, staff, students, and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is demanding that Acero Schools and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) stop the closure of seven charter schools, which will affect 2,000 students and 250 staff. The schools are located in Gage Park, Brighton Park, Pilsen, Little Village, Rogers Park, Avondale, and Humboldt Park.
A Letter to CPS CEO
On Wednesday, the parents of the seven schools, union members, and Southwest Side elected officials delivered a letter to CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, urging him to intervene to save the schools and prevent closures. The letter states that Martinez must either tell Acero CEO Richard Rodriguez that the schools cannot be closed or CPS must step up to keep the schools open themselves.
Rally and Protest
To show their determination to fight the closures, over 300 parents, students, staff, and CTU members rallied outside Acero Schools headquarters on Wednesday afternoon. Frustrated parents and students questioned Rodriguez’s leadership, with some calling for his resignation. As one parent, Gloria Castro, a mother from Casas Elementary, said, "Richard Rodriguez, be a leader and show your face. You haven’t met with us or been empathetic."
Acero’s Explanation
Acero Schools’ Chief Culture Officer, Helena Stangle, responded to the criticism, stating that the network attempted to communicate with all impacted families through various means, including email, text notifications, and letters sent through the mail. Stangle acknowledged the sadness and difficulty of the decision but explained that it was necessary due to the network’s $40 million financial deficit.
CPS’ Response
CPS spokesperson, Sylvia Barragan, expressed that while CPS has limited authority over charter school operators, they were "actively collaborating with the charter to understand their decision and to establish a strong plan to assist impacted families and students in transitioning to other schools within the district." Barragan added that CP’s agreement with Acero allowed for the network to make its own decisions within the boundaries set by the district.
Community Demands
The community is demanding that CPS take action to absorb the schools and maintain the same services and education quality. They also want Acero leaders to be more transparent about the charter’s financial situation and past decisions. Alds. Julia Ramirez (12th), Jeylú Gutierrez (14th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) echoed the pleas, urging CPS to provide support to families and staff impacted by the decision and to present a plan to ensure students have the same educational opportunities.
Next Steps
The Chicago Teachers Union has collected over 1,000 petition signatures urging CPS to prevent the schools from closing. As the enrollment period for the next school year ends in three weeks, parents are scrambling to find new schools for their children. CPS will work closely with impacted families to enroll them in a new school, but some parents feel that more support is needed to help them navigate the process.
Conclusion
The united front of parents, staff, and the CTU is a testament to the strength of the community’s determination to protect the education of its children. As the decision looms large, the community will continue to fight for their right to a quality education and against the erosion of charter schools.
FAQs
- What is the reason for the closure of the seven Acero charter schools?
- Acero Schools attributes the closure to a $40 million financial deficit, while critics argue that the network has not been transparent about its financial situation or past decisions.
- What is the response of Acero CEO Richard Rodriguez to the criticism?
- Rodriguez has been criticized for his leadership, with some calling for his resignation. He has not met with the school community, and his critics argue that he has not been empathetic.
- What is the response of Chicago Public Schools (CPS)?
- CPS has limited authority over charter school operators, but they are working with Acero to establish a plan to assist impacted families and students in transitioning to other schools within the district.
Image Credits
- Francia Garcia Hernandez/Block Club Chicago
