The Chicago school board voted unanimously on March 19 to permanently close two high schools in the ASPIRA charter network, following months of financial difficulties and a lack of cooperation from the network’s leadership, according to district officials. The decision comes after hundreds of students had already transferred to other schools before the end of the academic year.
The closure affects about 500 students who have moved to approximately 20 different district and charter high schools. The largest group, totaling 235 students, transferred to Carl Schurz High School in Irving Park, which recently hosted an event to introduce new students and their families to school activities. Other significant transfers include about 70 students moving to Roosevelt High School and 50 to Kelvyn Park, with some also enrolling in other charter schools.
Interim CEO Macquline King praised Schurz for its efforts in welcoming new students but criticized ASPIRA leaders for not cooperating fully in transferring student records and facilitating transitions. Edgar Lopez, head of ASPIRA, disputed these claims and said he is considering legal action against the board’s decision. “I’m sorry, even though it’s not my fault, but I’m sorry,” Lopez said when asked about his message for affected students and families.
District officials stated that ASPIRA overestimated enrollment numbers during budgeting and failed to present a viable plan for completing the school year despite receiving $2.5 million in advances from Chicago Public Schools (CPS). King emphasized that ensuring seniors can transfer credits and stay on track for graduation is a top priority. She also mentioned that CPS has waived all student fees for transferring ASPIRA students and is providing transportation cards, mentoring, and mental health services.
Schurz principal Heidy Moran described the influx of new students as unprecedented but noted that most seniors’ credit requirements align well with those at Schurz. Efforts such as pairing new arrivals with veteran students are being made to ease their transition. However, some challenges remain regarding dual enrollment classes and credit recovery needs.
There is no immediate impact on ASPIRA’s alternative school managed by Youth Connection Charter School; its future will be determined by further discussions between CPS and Youth Connection’s board. As staff layoffs proceed at the closed campuses, union representatives have urged CPS to hire displaced educators at receiving schools to support incoming students.
