Overview
- The board voted unanimously Thursday to end Aspira’s contract in a rare midyear revocation, and the charter becomes inactive on April 4 with no enrollment for next school year.
- CPS leaders said Aspira failed to provide a verified plan to fund operations through June after receiving $2.55 million in emergency advances.
- Aspira’s two high schools dropped from roughly 600 students at the start of the year to fewer than 50 remaining as transfers accelerated.
- District officials are reviewing reported transfers of two properties to a new Aspira Illinois Foundation, with charter terms requiring publicly funded assets to return to the Board and a legal fight possible.
- Aspira CEO Edgar Lopez says he is exploring legal options and alleges underfunding and retaliation, while CPS says the Aspira-run YCCS alternative campus expects to remain open through the school year.