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Board adopts transition plan and FY26 wind-down funds for Epic Academy charter
Summary
The board adopted amended language requiring a transition plan for Epic Academy students and staff and recorded allocation of $1.4 million in FY26 to support a wind-down and transition; the amendment requires reporting on enrollment and retention by Dec. 2025.
The Chicago Board of Education adopted amended language on Nov. 4, 2025, that sets conditions for the renewal/termination of Epic Academy Charter High School’s agreement and directs a transition process and monitoring of public funds.
Assistant board staff read board report 25-1030 EX1 describing an amendment that would result in the charter ceasing operations and voluntarily returning its charter on July 1, 2026, and allocating $1,400,000 in additional FY26 funding to support wind-down and completion of the academic year.
Board amendments required the chief portfolio officer in the office of portfolio management to prepare a transition plan in consultation with EPIC students, families and staff. The transition plan must maximize continuity and stability, including offering enrollment options at district-run schools and providing information about open positions for qualified EPIC staff consistent with district hiring procedures. The amendment directs the chief portfolio officer to report to the board on implementation and the status of EPIC student enrollment and staff retention no later than December 2025.
Board members debated separating the transition-plan language from the financial allocation; a motion to divide the question failed. Legal counsel indicated privileged communications regarding legal risks associated with the amendment. After a short recess and subsequent amendments (including striking the words "high performing and corresponding" to avoid implying unequal value among receiving schools), the board adopted the amended report by roll-call vote.
Supporters of EPIC urged emergency funding and a collaborative process, and some board members voiced concern about protecting principal discretion over hiring. The adopted language emphasizes offering opportunities and information about positions rather than guaranteeing hires, consistent with district hiring rules.
The motion as adopted instructs administration to monitor EPIC’s use of any additional FY26 funds and to require return of unspent public funds or assets purchased with public money, with efforts to recover unused funds where appropriate. The final will be included in the agenda of action.
