Board approves amended EPIC Academy renewal with transition plan and $1.4M to support wind-down

The Chicago Board of Education on Nov. 4, 2025 approved an amended board report authorizing the renewal of EPIC Academy Charter High School with conditions that include a district-prepared transition plan and additional funding to support the school’s wind-down.

The amendment requires the Chief Portfolio Officer in the Office of Portfolio Management to prepare a transition plan in consultation with EPIC students, families and staff. The plan must identify options to maximize stability and continuity — including offering enrollment opportunities for EPIC students at district-run receiving schools and identifying open positions within CPS that qualified EPIC staff may be eligible to apply for — consistent with district hiring rules. The amendment also directs the Chief Portfolio Officer to report to the board on implementation and staff-retention outcomes no later than Dec. 5.

The reading of the unfinished business item stated the charter would voluntarily return on July 1, 2026 and that the board contemplated allocating $1,400,000 in additional FY26 funds to ensure a successful wind-down and completion of the academic year. During debate, members disputed whether the amendment guaranteed placements for displaced staff or only provided opportunities to apply and be interviewed; legal counsel reviewed the language and members sought assurances that principal discretion and collective-bargaining rules would be respected.

A procedural motion to divide the question — separating the transition-plan language from the financial allocation — failed on a roll-call vote. Board members also adopted a subsequent amendment removing the words "high performing and corresponding" from the language identifying receiving schools. After a short recess and additional discussion, the board voted to approve the final amended board report; the assistant board secretary recorded the final roll call as 20 ayes, 0 nays.

Board member Dr. Smith, who represents the district that includes EPIC, urged the board to "appropriate emergency funds so that EPIC can complete this school year with dignity" and pushed for a transparent process involving families and staff. The adopted amendment requires the district to monitor EPIC’s use of any additional FY26 funds and to recover any unused public funds or assets purchased with public funds in accordance with the charter terms.

Next steps: the Chief Portfolio Officer will prepare and implement the transition plan, report by Dec. 5 on student enrollment and staff retention activity, and the district will monitor and seek recovery of any unused funds or assets. The final board report will be included in the agenda of action for record and further administrative follow-up.