CHICAGO— A statement from the Chicago Teachers Union on the passage of the Resolution Addressing Various Improvements Needed to the Board’s Authorization and Renewal of Charter Schools, approved by the Chicago Board of Education at its May 29 meeting:

“At the beginning of this school year, students, families, educators, and community members connected to Acero Charter Schools faced a crisis—unsure if their beloved schools would shutter overnight, disrupting the lives of countless children. But instead of suffering in silence, they organized, raised their voices, and fought back.

“Today, thanks to their courage and collective action, five of the Acero schools remain open—and more importantly, our democratically elected Board of Education has responded by passing sweeping reforms that put children, classrooms, and the joy of teaching and learning ahead of corporate interests and profit-making schemes.

“In a city with a painful history of school closures—closures that have devastated Black communities—this resolution marks a step in the right path. It provides important protections for families and workers, ensures charter schools receive regular feedback on how they are doing in order to improve, and ensures stronger oversight from CPS. All students deserve a quality education, and families should not have to fear that their school will suddenly close. This resolution works to ensure both.

“Let us be clear: no charter operator with integrity should fear the words ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability.’ They should embrace them. Because these values affirm that our schools are safe, stable, and thriving places for the city’s youngest learners—and that’s something every educator, parent, and student deserves.”