Daywatch: CPS calls special meeting over charter school closures

Good morning, Chicago.

In the latest development in a monthslong battle between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union, the school board will convene for a special meeting to address the impending closures of several charter schools.

The meeting, scheduled for this afternoon, will also allow audience members to closely watch another issue: The hiring of outside legal counsel to represent the board. Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies deem the help necessary as an accountability mechanism to help the school board have independence from the general counsel that reports to both the board and Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez.

Last month, Acero charter network leadership announced the closure of seven of their 15 schools, citing financial constraints, declining enrollment and inadequate space to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Afterward, Martinez said he hadn't been made aware prior to the charter leadership's announcement that the schools were moving forward with closures.

But the district said the Acero closures have garnered more involvement from outside politicians than other charter school closings.

Read the full story from the Tribune's Nell Salzman and Sarah Macaraeg .

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