CHICAGO – The Chicago Board of Education held a special meeting Thursday to address the planned closures of several charter schools.

Parents and teachers pleaded for the seven schools scheduled to close in June to remain open.

The board unanimously approved a resolution in support of charter school families at the start of the meeting.

Although the resolution does not guarantee that Acero schools will remain open beyond this school year, it gives hope to parents, who say they finally feel heard.

Parents, teachers and students are demanding measures to keep their schools open.

The resolution now requires Acero representatives to testify before the board to explain their recent decision to close seven schools. It also mandates discussions between Acero and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to explore alternatives that would extend the schools’ operations until June 2026, instead of June 2025.

Affected schools include Octavio Paz Elementary School in Little Village and Carlos Fuentes Elementary School in Avondale.

The closures would affect about 2,000 students and more than 200 teachers, forcing them to find new schools.

The impact is expected to be more severe in predominantly Latino communities.

Public comments will also be considered during the meeting.

Acero Schools released a statement after the resolution was approved, shared below:

“The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education held a special meeting regarding the early closure of seven (7) Acero schools, including Cruz K-12, Casas, Cisneros, Fuentes, Paz, Santiago and Tamayo elementary schools. The purpose of this meeting was to consider a board resolution requiring the network to cease closing these schools. The resolution also references board action regarding the renewal of the charter agreement. of Acero in 2026.

“It bears repeating that Acero Schools recognizes that these schools are vibrant learning communities with exceptional students, families and colleagues. Our neighborhoods have welcomed these schools into communities that are too often underserved. There are no winners when high-quality schools are forced to close their doors. due to the implications of inequitable and inadequate funding of public schools and the impact this has on the charter school community in particular.

“While we are disappointed by the misinformation surrounding this heartbreaking situation, we are pleased to work with Chicago Public Schools to find sustainable, long-term solutions for everyone impacted by these anticipated closures. This is clearly demonstrated by the nearly 20 meetings that Acero schools have had. with senior CPS officials prior to the special meeting to provide timely information to advance this initiative.

“Acero Schools followed the process outlined in its charter agreement when announcing CPS’ planned closures. The network informed our broader community and communicated the need to engage with CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union. Acero Schools has always and continues to adhere to the financial rules and facilities requirements stipulated by CPS in our charter agreement although the financial and facilities provisions contained in this agreement are often not. discussed in the media or discussed in public forums like today’s special meeting, they contributed to this decision for adequate and equitable funding and solutions that support our learning communities.

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) also released a statement on the board meeting, shared below:

“The Illinois Charter School Network is disappointed to see Mayor Johnson and the CTU continue chaos in Chicago Public Schools to advance their political agenda without public support and before newly elected school board members elected officials do not take their seats to represent the community.

“The sad reality in Acero Schools is that the challenges were created entirely by the CTU’s exorbitant fiscal demands and its decision to impose a school strike several years ago. In Acero Schools, this is the same story, on a smaller scale, playing out in Chicago Public Schools Today – declining enrollment, a massive budget deficit, no new revenue and an exorbitant labor contract offered by the CTU. will lead the debt of the CPS for years.

“However, unlike CPS, charter schools are not taxing authorities and are legally required to be fiscally solvent. They cannot generate revenue through tax hikes or per diem loans as can The district also has been unfairly funded by CPS for decades and must collectively pay $25 million to the district each year for management costs. facility costs, often without inclusion in the district’s capital budget.

“Under Illinois law, public charter schools are more accountable than district-operated schools. Each charter school contract is reviewed periodically by its authorizer, charter schools must earn – through their academic performance – the right to operate, charter schools must submit an annual request for audits to their authorizing officer, and charter schools must balance their budget each year with available revenue. charter schools are revealed for what they are: a blatant attempt to shift blame to the mayor and the CTU.

“It’s time for our city’s leaders to stop playing politics and start putting student success first. There are collaborative solutions to the challenges facing our public school system if all stakeholders have a voice at the table. Charter schools have partnered with CPS and contributed to the district’s academic improvements for nearly 30 years. Charter schools exist because they provide measurable outcomes and opportunities for students, and Chicago parents continue to choose them as the best public school option for their students.

“We hope that Mayor Johnson and the CTU are willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside INCS, the charter community, district schools and the newly elected members of the Board of Education to find real solutions to the very real financial and academic challenges facing our city’s schools and students. You will find very welcoming partners in this work with the charter community.

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