Chicago Board of Education votes to revoke charter for ASPIRA Network schools

March 20, 2026 - 08:47

In a decisive move, the Chicago Board of Education has voted unanimously to revoke the charter for the ASPIRA network of schools, effectively ending its operation within the city's public school system at the conclusion of the current academic year. This action concludes a lengthy period of scrutiny over the network's academic performance and financial management.

The decision directly impacts ASPIRA's three remaining campuses: Early College High School, Haugan Middle School, and the Antonia Pantoja High School. Board members cited persistent underperformance, including low graduation rates and test scores that consistently fell below district averages, as the primary reason for non-renewal. Financial oversight concerns also contributed to the final verdict.

District officials have stated they are committed to ensuring a stable transition for the approximately 1,000 affected students. The Chicago Public Schools district will now oversee the process of helping families enroll in other district-run or charter school options for the coming fall. The revocation marks a significant shift for the ASPIRA network, which once operated multiple schools in the city and was founded on a mission to serve the Latino community. The focus now turns to supporting students and staff through this period of change.