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Board tables EPIC Academy amendment after heated debate over wind‑down, repayment and community protections
Summary
The Chicago Board of Education tabled an amendment to the EPIC Academy charter wind‑down plan after contentious debate over deadlines, repayment language and guarantees for students and staff; the board will revisit the matter at its next meeting. (Tabled: 19–0; amendment failed: 2–6–11).
President Sean B. Harden reconvened the Chicago Board of Education’s Oct. 30 special meeting to consider an amendment to EX1, the board report proposing the termination/return of EPIC Academy’s charter and $1.4 million in FY26 funds to support a wind‑down. Board member Jeetu Brown moved a last‑minute amendment requiring a portfolio office‑prepared wind‑down plan in consultation with EPIC students, families and staff, a chief executive recommendation by Dec. 3, 2025, and repayment provisions requiring EPIC to reimburse the district (by Dec. 31, 2026) from sale proceeds or other sources, with twice‑monthly financial reporting from EPIC to the portfolio office.
The amendment drew sustained public comment beforehand from union and school speakers who…
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