The abrupt closure of schools without warning can have devastating effects on families, particularly those from working-class backgrounds.
This year, thousands of parents and students in Chicago faced such an ordeal, highlighted by the challenges presented by the federal government’s recent focus on privatizing education, coupled with the sudden announcement from Acero Schools regarding the closure of seven schools.
For many families, education represents more than just a pathway to knowledge; it embodies a legacy that they strive to pass onto their children.
Yesenia Lopez, an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education and a graduate of Pickard Elementary and Benito Juárez High School, understands this sentiment deeply, given her background as a daughter of Mexican immigrants.
The chaos stemming from Acero Schools’ announcement caught neighborhoods such as Gage Park, Brighton Park, Pilsen, Little Village, Rogers Park, Avondale, and Humboldt Park off guard.
Parents were left in a state of anxiety, unsure where their children would finish the school year or begin the next.
The subsequent fallout revealed significant weaknesses in the operations of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) concerning its relationships with charter operators, particularly in terms of communication and support during such crises.
Faced with uncertainty, parents began to rise up, demanding the school board acknowledge their concerns.
Their advocacy led to a shift in policy, resulting in the decision to keep five of the affected schools open for the coming academic year, with plans to integrate them into the public school system by 2026.
Lopez emphasized the importance of accountability, arguing that charter operators funded by taxpayers should be held to the same standards as public neighborhood schools.
She advocates for the implementation of district-wide policies mandating at least 12 months’ notification prior to any school closure and advocating for complete financial transparency for all public-funded schools.
Such measures are vital to ensure that families and staff are not left bewildered by sudden decisions made far from their communities.
Taxpayer dollars should support educational improvements, not enrich charter school operators or undermine educators fighting for better conditions in their schools.
“A child’s education is a right, not a business model,” Lopez asserted.
The urgent need for reform is further underscored by the current climate at the federal level, which appears increasingly hostile toward public education initiatives.
Lopez calls on local leaders to prioritize community-driven policies that safeguard the well-being of schools and families from abrupt changes imposed by decision-makers in distant offices.
She reiterates the wisdom of the adage, “El que no oye consejo, no llega a viejo” — Those who don’t heed advice struggle to progress.
The future of public education in Chicago hinges on courageous leadership and collective efforts that prioritize the needs of students over profit motives.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2025/04/23/chicago-public-schools-charter-students-education-acero-funds-transparency-yesenia-lopez
