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Chicago Board tables EPIC Academy charter amendment after heated debate over wind‑down and repayment terms
Summary
The Chicago Board of Education on Oct. 30, 2025, debated an amendment to the EPIC Academy charter renewal that would have required a wind‑down plan and repayment of additional funds; the amendment failed and the board voted to table the item for a later meeting.
The Chicago Board of Education on Oct. 30, 2025, debated whether to add a wind‑down plan and repayment requirements to a charter renewal amendment for EPIC Academy and ultimately tabled the item for further consideration.
Board members first introduced public agenda item EX1, which would allow EPIC Academy to cease operations and voluntarily return its charter effective July 1, 2026, and allocated $1,400,000 in FY26 funding to support a wind‑down and completion of the academic year. Several union representatives and school staff told the board they had received little or no communication about the school's future and urged safeguards for students and staff.
CTU charter division chair Jen Conant urged the board to either reject or substantially amend the proposal, saying the district should "ensure that any funds or profit from the sale of EPIC's additional school property go back to the district" and that families deserve a plan that "provides as much stability for the EPIC community as possible." EPIC staff and teachers echoed calls for clearer transition supports, with Andrew Escalante saying, "Our seniors deserve to cross the stage surrounded by the people that help them get there."
Board member Brown moved a late, intervening amendment to EX1 that would have required the chief portfolio officer to prepare a wind‑down plan in consultation with EPIC students, families and staff and present it with the CEO's recommendation no later than Dec. 3, 2025. The amendment also would have required EPIC Academy to repay additional funds provided — including, if applicable, proceeds from sale of EPIC property — by Dec. 31, 2026, and to deliver twice‑monthly financial reports to the portfolio office during the wind‑down period. Chief Alfonso Carmona told the board the district had scheduled a town hall on Nov. 4 and estimated roughly 168 students would need to transition if EPIC ceases operations.
Members raised legal and operational questions about the amendment. Chief Carmona said the state’s transition requirement applies when the district chooses not to renew a charter; that legal requirement does not automatically apply to a voluntary or self‑closure. He also cautioned that offering employment guarantees to EPIC staff who "follow" students into receiving schools could conflict with existing labor agreements and principals’ hiring authorities.
After discussion and a 10‑minute recess for legal review prompted by concerns about the amendment’s late appearance, the board voted on Brown’s intervening amendment. The roll call produced 2 ayes, 6 nays and 11 abstentions; the amendment failed. The board then voted to table EX1 until the next meeting (motion to lay over adopted 19 ayes, 0 nays).
What happens next: EX1 (the EPIC Academy item as posted) was laid over for a future meeting so the board, counsel and staff can resolve legal and contractual questions raised by members and further engage families and labor partners. Board members and CPS officials said they will host a high‑school fair and a town hall with EPIC families to surface options for student transitions and to begin planning the wind‑down process if needed.
