Chicago Public Schools Seeks Alternatives to Acero Schools’ Proposed Charter Closures Impacting 2,000 Students

The tug-of-war between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Acero Schools took a decisive turn as the CPS board called a special meeting over the latter’s decision to shut down seven charter schools. In a move that might alter the trajectory of those closures, the CPS board will discuss a resolution on Thursday afternoon, demanding that Acero’s executives provide alternative solutions instead of proceeding with their shutdown plan.

The resolution was brought forth in light of Acero’s closure announcement which is set to displace roughly 2,000 students and 270 staff members. These closures, affecting predominately Latino communities, have sounded alarms over the potential “substantial disruption and harm” they could cause. The schools, all part of the Acero charter network, are facing this predicament due to financial constraints, declining enrollment, and infrastructure not fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as

the Chicago Tribune

reported.

While the Chicago Board of Education has no authority to directly prevent the closures, they can exert influence through contractual agreements. The proposed resolution might even sway the decision on whether Acero’s contract, which is set to expire in June 2026, gets renewed. This decision is deeply tied to broader issues of financial accountability and the district’s leverage when it comes to charter operations. “The prior framework or stance for that decision was that if charter operators were aware that CPS would offer bailouts to operators with financial issues, there would be no incentive for charter operators to responsibly use taxpayer funding, and the district would lose significant leverage,” a CPS spokesperson said in a statement reported by the

Tribune

.

The special board meeting also comes on the heels of a contentious standoff, where CPS CEO Pedro Martinez refused to take out a high-interest loan demanded by City Hall, sparking much debate and political maneuvering, including the resignation of former board members and the appointment of new ones aligned with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s vision. The

Chicago Sun-Times

detailed that this will be the third meeting of board members who were chosen by Mayor Brandon Johnson after his first appointed board resigned in October.

In addition to the Acero situation, the CPS board meeting will address concerns resonating from the 2024 Presidential Election, emphasizing their commitment to being a safe, inclusive space for all students and staff. The board plans a closed session to cover contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union and the principal’s association, as well as considering the engagement of outside legal counsel through a resolution posted in their meeting materials. The board’s agenda, published online, mentions retaining the Loop-based law firm Cozen O’Connor for $40,000 for their services, indicating the complexity and legal entanglements intrinsic to these matters.

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