In a move that has heightened tensions between City Hall and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Mayor Brandon Johnson is demanding greater accountability from the district in light of the Acero charter school network’s decision to close seven schools, affecting approximately 2,000 students. The mayor’s call for a "contingency plan" comes as CPS grapples with how to close nearly half of Acero’s campuses, which are facing a significant budget shortfall of $40 million.
Acero, a network of unionized charter schools operating on Chicago's Southwest Side, announced the closures in October, citing financial instability. The move has sparked an outcry from families, teachers, and union officials, who argue that CPS should intervene to prevent the closures or absorb the schools into the district.
At a press conference, Johnson emphasized that the issue is not about assigning blame but ensuring a smooth transition for families the closures could displace. "This is about how we course correct so families don’t lose out," the mayor said, stressing that CPS should act swiftly to mitigate the impact on students.
Despite his vocal support for the families affected, Johnson’s remarks also highlighted deeper frustrations with CPS leadership. While he did not directly criticize CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, Johnson expressed disappointment that the district had not responded comprehensively. He indicated that his office had yet to see the proactive leadership needed from CPS. "We haven’t seen that type of leadership," Johnson said, referencing the lack of a clear plan for dealing with the closures.
Johnson’s push for a contingency plan comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of CPS leadership. In September, the mayor publicly called for Martinez’s resignation, which Martinez has since rejected. The tension between Johnson and CPS leadership has been palpable, and the Acero closure debate has become the latest flashpoint in this ongoing power struggle.
This situation is even more politically charged because Acero’s staff is unionized by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), a powerful ally of Johnson’s administration. The union has been outspoken in its opposition to the closures, calling on CPS to intervene or at least delay the closures to ensure that students are not left without viable school options. Given the CTU’s support for Johnson, the mayor is pressured to advocate for these schools.
Acero, a charter school network that operates 15 campuses across Chicago, is a privately managed, publicly funded entity. As part of its contract with CPS, Acero is permitted to close schools but must notify the district by October 15, with closures not allowed before June 30 of the following year. The contract does not provide CPS with a legal path to block the closures, and while CPS has been in communication with Acero’s leadership, the district has yet to outline a concrete plan for handling the fallout from the closures.
CPS has promised to support affected families by helping them transfer to other schools within the district. The district has also extended the GoCPS application deadline, allowing families to apply to various schools, including charter and selective enrollment campuses. However, critics argue that more is needed, especially given the scale of the closures and the disruption they will cause.
CPS officials have acknowledged the need for contingency plans, including options for absorbing the schools into the district. However, sources within CPS have suggested that such a move is complicated and may not be financially viable. The district is still evaluating various scenarios, but it remains unclear whether absorbing Acero’s campuses would be a realistic or sustainable solution.
Mayor Johnson has also called for greater financial transparency from Acero. He expressed concern over how the charter network, which had recently received a three-year contract extension from CPS in 2023, was in such a dire financial situation. "It will require audits," Johnson stated, suggesting that CPS must take a closer look at charter schools' financial practices to ensure they are sustainable in the long term.
Johnson’s comments reflect a long-standing critique of charter schools, mainly publicly funded but privately managed ones. As mayor, Johnson has sought to hold charter networks more accountable, arguing that these schools should be subject to the same scrutiny as district-run schools.
"Part of my task is to challenge CPS and its leadership to respond to charter operators who have these structural elements within their budgetary framework that are not long-term sustainable," Johnson said. His administration is calling for a broader review of charter school finances to prevent future financial crises like the one facing Acero.
The conflict over the Acero closures is a political, financial, and educational equity issue. With thousands of students potentially displaced, the question remains: What will CPS do to ensure that these students are not left behind?
The Chicago Board of Education is scheduled to hold a special meeting to discuss the proposed closures and whether alternatives can be found. The considered resolution calls for Acero representatives to appear before the board to discuss potential solutions, including keeping the schools open or transitioning them to district management.
In the meantime, Mayor Johnson’s office continues to press CPS to take more decisive action. With the deadline for GoCPS applications approaching and the uncertainty around where displaced students will go, pressure is mounting on CPS to find a resolution that works for all stakeholders—families, teachers, and the students themselves.
As this situation unfolds, the Acero closures will continue to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the future of charter schools in Chicago and the role of CPS in overseeing them.
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