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CPS Begins Midyear Transfers From Two ASPIRA High Schools Over Funding Crisis

District officials cite an urgent solvency risk under state funding limits as the reason for beginning midyear transfers.

Overview

  • About 540 students at ASPIRA Business & Finance and ASPIRA Early College high schools will be moved to other campuses for the rest of the year.
  • CPS says ASPIRA failed to prove financial sustainability or provide required documents, including its 2025 audit, payroll records, and monthly cash-flow reports.
  • The network faces a roughly $4.8 million shortfall after CPS advanced about $2.55 million since November, with a state cap on further funding advances taking effect April 10.
  • CPS says it is not revoking ASPIRA’s charter and calls the transfers an oversight measure to protect students in a situation with no precedent for a midyear closure at the district.
  • ASPIRA leaders say they are pursuing a bridge loan and fundraising and blame structural underfunding, as students, families, and CTU press for clarity on credits, IEPs, and staff placements.