CTU warns Aspira could close mid‑March; board hears calls for accountability and emergency planning
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Summary
Union leaders told the Chicago Board of Education the Aspira charter network is insolvent and has requested roughly $4.8 million to finish the school year for two high schools, prompting calls for emergency student‑transition planning, greater fiscal oversight of charter operators and support for midyear continuity.
Jackson Parler Potter, a vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, told the board that Aspira has told stakeholders it is insolvent and asked the district for an emergency injection of $4,800,000 to cover operations through the end of the school year. He said two Aspira high schools enroll about 570 students who could be displaced if the operator does not secure immediate funds.
"Aspira shared, that they need $4,800,000 to finish out the school year," Parler Potter said during poll participation, urging the district to consider collateral and contingency plans so students would not be scattered across the system if a campus closes.
Jen Conant, chair of the CTU’s charter division, urged the board and the district to adopt stronger renewal standards and closure plans. Conant said unions and community leaders support pending Illinois legislation that would require charter operators to maintain cash reserves and to produce a closure/wind‑down plan if reserves fall below a set threshold.
Board members responded later in the meeting with concern and requests for clearer financial information. Board member Pope called Aspira’s apparent fiscal situation ‘‘a creation of fiscal irresponsibility on the part of a charter operator’’ and urged administration to produce a plan to place affected students in other schools without jeopardizing credits or graduation.
Administration and several board members asked Chief Executive Officer (interim) Dr. Macklin King for a clear readout of advances, audit status and what support the district could legally provide. The board did not vote on a funding action at this meeting; members directed staff to follow up with a financial update and next steps.
The public testimony and later board comments framed three immediate policy questions for trustees: whether to (1) require stronger cash‑reserve and closure plans in renewal agreements, (2) tighten fiscal reporting and audit requirements for charter operators seeking district assistance, and (3) adopt a district continuity plan to move cohorts together into receiving schools should a charter close midyear.