Chicago Public Schools Weighs Plan to Save Five Acero Charter Schools

CPS officials propose closing two campuses while considering district takeover of remaining schools to address Acero's financial shortfall.

CPS presented five options to address the planned closure of seven Acero charter schools, including closing two campuses and keeping five open for potential district takeover in 2026.
The recommended plan focuses on closing Paz Elementary and Cruz K-12, citing their significant contribution to Acero's projected $40 million deficit.
Absorbing all seven schools into CPS would cost up to $28 million, while providing Acero with short-term funding to keep all schools open would require $3.2 million for one year.
The closures, announced by Acero in October, would impact over 1,800 students and represent the largest school shutdowns in Chicago's Latino communities to date.
Tensions between CPS leadership, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Acero have escalated, with families, union members, and city officials urging solutions to prevent displacement and disruption.