Chicago's Acero Charter Schools Network is set to close seven of its 15 schools, impacting approximately 2,000 students, as announced during a board meeting this past Wednesday, reports ABC7 Chicago. The closures, which are planned for June 2025, will also affect around 270 staff members, stirring significant concern among the community, particularly in Latino neighborhoods where these schools are primarily operated.
During the meeting, held at Acero Clemente Elementary in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, Acero CEO Richard Rodriguez cited a student enrollment decline of 1,400 over eight years, increases in costs for staff and facility maintenance, and a declining Chicago population as key reasons for the closures, which was met with cries of "cowards!" from attendees, as detailed in a Chicago Sun-Times report.
Acero's decision comes in the wake of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez's promise of no school closures in the district, while the charter network faces increasing scrutiny amidst shifting attitudes toward charter schools. The schools set to close are Casas, Cisneros, Fuentes, Paz, Santiago, and Tamayo elementary schools as well as Cruz K-12 School. Representatives from the Chicago Teachers Union have expressed strong opposition to the closures, pointing out how, after negotiations aimed at avoiding such actions during the summer, Acero has turned its back on the educational community. "The CTU unequivocally condemns this move," they stated, as obtained by ABC7 Chicago.
Lluvia Estrada, a parent with two children at Cisneros, fought back tears while discussing the closures, which were a complete shock to many; cries of distress filled the room as the announcement was made, "It’s very difficult for me because it’s 10 years that I’ve been at that school," Estrada told the Chicago Sun-Times, highlighting the closures' personal toll. Acero has promised to help affected families transition, launching a website for updates and support while remaining schools will intake students as space permits.
The union further criticized the closures, arguing that Acero is prioritizing financial over educational interests, which could undermine progress made in supporting students with disabilities and English Language Learners, "This move threatens to upend and undermine all of the progress made by educators to improve student supports and educational outcomes," according to the ABC7 Chicago statement from CTU. Caroline Rutherford, CTU council chair at Acero, condemned the lack of communication with members and families before the decision was made, emphasizing the unilateral nature of the closure decision and its impact on educators who promise to continue supporting their students.
