The Chicago school board has approved a resolution that aims to keep open seven Acero charter schools for one more year then take over operations at five of them in 2026.
WBEZ Radio reports that the resolution directs district administrators to make a plan with Acero officials that would help the charter network maintain the seven campuses in 2025-26.
Bringing five of the schools under district control in the 2026-27 year would require a separate action next year.
It is unclear whether Acero charter officials would cooperate with the board’s intentions. The board doesn't have the authority to force Acero to keep its schools open.
Acero announced in October that it would close seven of its 15 Chicago schools: Casas, Cisneros, Fuentes, Paz, Santiago and Tamayo elementary schools and Cruz K-12. The network of schools operates primarily in Latino neighborhoods. About 2,000 students--roughly one-third of the enrollment in Acero’s schools--would be affected.
The plan envisioned by the school board would still see two schools close: the Paz and Cruz campuses. District officials have said those two schools are chief contributors to Acero’s projected deficit that has been cited as the chief reason for closure.
