The Illinois Network of Charter Schools congratulates Dr. Janice Jackson on her tenure leading Chicago Public Schools as its Chief Executive Officer during one of the most challenging times for public education in our city. Over the past four years, Dr. Jackson led with integrity, honesty, and a strong commitment to putting Chicago’s families and…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools supports the initial reopening framework released today by the Chicago Public Schools. The district’s preliminary reopening plan puts the needs of students, families, and communities first as our city continues to face this unprecedented crisis. Moving forward with a hybrid model that prioritizes the health and safety of students…
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The INCS team celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This critical program has provided nearly 800,000 young people, often referred to as DREAMers, the opportunity to access higher education, careers, and more to lead lives of opportunity and meaningfully contribute to our communities without fear of deportation….
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is pleased that students will return to the classroom tomorrow and learning will resume. However, we are extremely disappointed that the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) made a side deal that places a cap on the number of charter public schools in Chicago. One…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is disappointed that the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has chosen to strike despite being offered a fair package by Chicago Public Schools (CPS), as concluded by two independent factfinders. While we recognize the contributions and needs of teachers who work hard to create safe and productive learning environments…
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As expected, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker signed SB 1226 into law, which will phase out the Illinois State Charter School Commission over the next year and transition its powers to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). INCS is deeply grateful for the extraordinary work of the Commission. INCS has been fighting to protect…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) applauds Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent decision to sign HB 3659 into law. This new law requires all board members of Illinois’ charter public schools to complete annual board training and ensures parental voice by requiring that at least one member of a charter public school’s governing board be…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is deeply grateful for the extraordinary work and leadership of the Illinois State Charter School Commission, which will conclude its work June 2020. The Illinois State Board of Education will assume the Commission’s work and authorities, which includes overseeing a checks-and-balance system to ensure fair treatment of Illinois’…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) congratulates the newly appointed members of the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education (CPS BOE): Miguel del Valle, president, Sendhil Revuluri, vice president, Dwayne Truss, Elizabeth Todd-Breland, Lucino Sotelo, Luisiana Melendez and Amy Rome. The CPS BOE consists of a diverse group, including former graduates, a parent, a principal and community advocates, who will…
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In their mutual commitment to ensuring that Chicago students are provided access to high quality public education, the charter public school community and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently concluded discussions in a way that will protect classroom and staff resources and preserve quality programming in charter public schools. Based on this agreement, restoration of fourth-quarter…
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) extends its congratulations to Lori Lightfoot, who was inaugurated today as Chicago’s new mayor. INCS is eager to partner with Mayor Lightfoot in deepening support for the city’s public schools, bridging the economic gap among neighborhoods, and supporting other initiatives to lift up families across our great city….
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The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is disappointed that the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has issued strike authorization votes at Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy High School, Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy Charter School, Youth Connection Charter School – Latino Youth High School, and Youth Connection Leadership Academy. A strike places significant burdens on…
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Illinois lost a true champion. The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) mourns the passing of Harrison I. Steans, an entrepreneur and founder of North Lawndale College Prep, a two-campus charter public high school.
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