INCS PRAISES RENEWAL TERMS FOR 13 CPS CHARTER SCHOOLS
The approved renewal term lengths are the longest granted to an Illinois charter in more than five years.
Chicago, Ill. — The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is pleased with the CPS Board of Education’s decision to renew 13 charter schools at today’s Board meeting. The approved renewal term lengths are in line with school performance and reflect the strength of each school. One school, the Academy for Global Citizenship, was renewed for seven years — the longest renewal term granted to an Illinois charter in more than five years.
These renewal terms are the result of a new framework designed by CPS’ Office of Innovation and Incubation. Under Superintendent Dr. Macquline King’s leadership, this framework focuses on evidence-based metrics that prioritize student achievement and outcomes over politics.
“Today’s renewal terms are a step in the right direction for the charter community,” said INCS President Andrew Broy. “The improved renewal framework comes from years of advocacy work by charter families, staff, and communities. Their tireless efforts speaking at Board meetings, hosting Board members for school visits, and writing to the district will ensure school stability for years to come.”
The new framework and the approved renewal terms reflect progress, but there is more work to be done. The charter community calls on the district to more heavily weight academic performance and student outcomes. Schools are also committed to working with the Board to establish a pathway to 10-year renewal terms, the longest allowable under Illinois law.
This year’s charter renewal terms are as follows:
This spring’s renewal cohort is comprised of 16 schools serving 8,307 students. Across Chicago, 98.7% of charter students are children of color and 86% qualify for free or reduced lunch. One out of every four high school students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools attends a charter and one out of every 10 elementary students attends a charter.
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ABOUT THE ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) advocates for the improvement of public education by leveraging the charter school model as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. As the voice of Illinois charter schools, INCS engages a diverse coalition of policymakers, school leaders, parents, and community members to create systemic change and secure high-quality schools for underserved communities. Learn more at incschools.org.