CPS Board Presses Acero Officials for Plan to Keep Charter Schools Open
Board Approves Resolution to Pressure Acero Schools
The Chicago Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday to pressure Acero Schools to keep open seven campuses the private operator plans to close. The resolution demands that Acero officials come before the board at a December 4 meeting to present a plan to keep the schools open.
Background on the Conflict
The proposed closings have led to fierce protests from students, parents, and staff who are hoping for Acero to reverse course or CPS to provide a solution. The conflict is the latest point of tension in the ongoing leadership struggle between Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. The disagreement started with a disagreement over how to handle a CPS budget shortfall and led to the mayor trying to oust Martinez.
Board Meeting Outcomes
The board also passed a resolution reaffirming CPS as a welcoming district that will protect students from President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration mandates. After passing both resolutions, the board went into closed session, adding personnel matters to the topics for consideration. The board also hired an outside attorney to represent it.
Acero’s Stance
Acero said it wants to close the schools because of a funding shortfall and a substantial financial deficit projected in 2026. In a statement, Acero said it welcomes working with CPS officials to find solutions and has met nearly 20 times with the district over the past month. The charter operator said it followed the proper process to announce the closings.
CPS Options
CPS officials planned to present options for the board to consider, including allowing the seven campuses to close in June and helping students transition to new schools. Alternatively, the district suggested providing Acero extra money to keep the schools open through the 2025-26 school year, then taking over the campuses the following year.
Board Members’ Concerns
Board members expressed concerns about the urgency of the situation, with some arguing that waiting two months to take action would be irresponsible to parents and families. Others emphasized the need to take action quickly to alleviate anxiety caused by the threat of closure.
Conclusion
The Chicago Board of Education’s decision to pressure Acero Schools to keep open seven campuses is a critical step in addressing the concerns of students, parents, and staff. The board’s demand for a plan to keep the schools open is a necessary step in finding a solution to the crisis.
FAQs
* What is the reason for Acero’s decision to close the seven campuses?
+ Acero cites a funding shortfall and a substantial financial deficit projected in 2026.
* What options did CPS officials present to the board?
+ Options included allowing the seven campuses to close in June and helping students transition to new schools, or providing Acero extra money to keep the schools open through the 2025-26 school year, then taking over the campuses the following year.
* Why did the board decide to pressure Acero Schools?
+ The board wants to ensure that the seven campuses remain open and that students, parents, and staff are protected from the potential consequences of closure.
