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 student transfers. The decision came after district officials said ASPIRA failed to provide required financial information and could not secure enough funds to finish the academic year.
The closure affects hundreds of students, many of whom have already transferred to other district schools. The largest group moved to Carl Schurz High School in Irving Park, which recently hosted an event to welcome the 235 new students and their families. According to a Chicago Public Schools spokesperson, about 500 ASPIRA students have transferred across roughly 20 district schools, with smaller groups going to Roosevelt and Kelvyn Park high schools.
Interim CEO Macquline King praised Schurz for its efforts in welcoming new students but criticized ASPIRA leadership for what she described as a lack of cooperation in transferring student records. Edgar Lopez, head of ASPIRA, disputed these claims, calling them a “fat lie” and stating that the network had organized a fair with other area schools to help students decide where to transfer. Lopez also said he is considering legal action against the board’s decision.
District officials cited overestimated enrollment projections by ASPIRA and a failure to develop a feasible plan for completing the school year despite $2.5 million in advances from CPS. King said that ensuring seniors can transfer credits and stay on track for graduation is a top priority. She added that CPS has waived all student fees for transferring 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 should be able to graduate on time due to compatible credit requirements. The transition has been challenging for both staff and students, with initiatives such as pairing new arrivals with veteran Schurz students implemented to ease adjustment.
There is no immediate impact on ASPIRA’s alternative school managed by Youth Connection Charter School; however, its future will depend on decisions made by Youth Connection’s board. As the district continues discussions about monitoring charters more closely at the state level, King emphasized: “We cannot allow this to be the status quo.”
The closure highlights ongoing challenges within Chicago’s charter sector amid declining enrollment citywide and increased scrutiny over financial management.
