Chicago’s Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Friday that aimed to save seven Acero charter schools slated for closure for one more year then take over five of them in 2026.
Acero parents and educators saw the vote as a massive win after weeks of protests against the planned school closings. Dozens broke into huge cheers and applause at a special board meeting Friday night that was dominated by Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez’s future.
It remained unclear whether Acero charter officials would cooperate with the board’s wishes. The board and CPS don’t have the authority to force Acero to keep its schools open.
But the resolution called on the school district to make a plan with Acero officials that would help the publicly funded, privately managed charter network maintain the seven campuses next school year. Officially bringing five of the schools under district control in the 2026-27 year would require a separate action next year.
In a letter to Acero families Friday night, CPS officials said they intend to follow the board’s direction but reiterated that Acero and the school board would still need to reach a memorandum of agreement.
“Families, I know the past few months have left your school communities anxious and uncertain,” the letter read. “We want to thank you for making your voices heard in this process. As we work through the logistics of this path forward, we will continue to keep you informed.”
The plan would still see two schools close: Acero’s Paz and Cruz campuses. CPS officials have said those two schools are chief contributors to Acero’s projected deficit that has been cited as the chief reason for closure.