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Charter leaders and union warn board of transitions and payroll instability at multiple networks
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged CPS to enforce board directives on charter transitions, called for staff retention protections during transitions (EPIC, Acero, Espira) and pressed for transparent financial documents after Sun‑Times/WBEZ reporting of payroll risk.
Several union representatives and charter staff used public comment time to press the Board of Education on the district's handling of charter transitions and to demand protections for students and staff.
Caroline Rutherford, CTU charter division vice chair, told the board the Nov. 4 directive to prepare a transition plan for EPIC had not been followed and described a community meeting she said had functioned as a high‑school fair rather than the district‑led transition planning the board requested. "Instead of engaging the school community in a creation of a transition plan, CPS invited families and staff to a community meeting. But it was actually a special high school fair with representatives from 12 different schools making pitches for students to transfer now or next year," she said.
Speakers representing the Espira network — including Heath Davis, Todd Ferry and a statement read by Jen Conant — described an abrupt financial crisis, late payroll warnings and alleged lack of transparency about asset transfers to a new foundation. "We left for Thanksgiving break, unsure if our schools would be open when Thanksgiving break ended," one Espira teacher said, noting CPS advanced funds to cover payroll.
Acero staff and parents also urged expedited interviews and hiring for teachers and staff as five Acero campuses transition to CPS. "We need as many of our current certified educators as possible to stay," said Tiffany Negron, an Acero case manager and CTU representative.
Board members did not take votes on those public comments but asked district staff to follow up. Several members asked for clearer communications to families and for assurances that advisory council and hiring timelines preserve teacher employment where possible.
The speakers' requests included: immediate district outreach to charter families; written assurances for staff retention where charters transfer to CPS management; and production of financial documents and stabilization plans from charter operators that have received district support.
