CHICAGO (Wales) — Mayor Brandon Johnson’s short-term six-member school board holds a meeting special meeting The groundwork will be set for the firing of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, according to sources.

Five elected school board members sent a letter this week asking the board to delay making major CPS decisions until the new 21-member hybrid school board meets in January.

ABC7 Chicago now broadcasts 24/7. Click here to watch

“This is about trying to say to the board, ‘let’s work together. Let’s start building bridges. Let’s evaluate Pedro Martinez together. Let’s do the work when we’re a board of half-elected, half-appointed members.'” board member-elect Ellen Rosenfeld said.

But Johnson, who wants Martinez fired, says waiting to take action on CPS matters is reckless, irresponsible and reprehensible.

“The question is: Why are we specifically asking Black and brown families to wait?” he said.

Thursday’s agenda includes the following: Acero Charter Schools.

The charter network announced in October that it would close seven of its schools at the end of the school year. While CPS has the authority to cancel or renew a school’s charter, the charter operator has the right to voluntarily close its own schools. But the mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union fault Martinez for not doing more to keep schools open.

“Do the right thing; keep schools open. You know, demand that this charter be held accountable for the displacement of so many students mid-year,” said CTU Vice President Jackson Potter.

For years, CTU fought hard against the opening of charter schools in Chicago. Now he’s trying just as hard to keep them open. The union represents Acero teachers. Critics of the union say Acero’s closure was used as a smokescreen to fire Martinez.

“I think Pedro has the power to show that that’s not the case,” Potter said.

An Acero Schools spokesperson said in a statement:

“The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education held a special meeting regarding the anticipated closure of seven (7) Acero schools, including Cruz K-12, Casas, Cisneros, Fuentes, Paz, Santiago, and Tamayo Elementary Schools. The purpose of this meeting is to network The decision was to consider a Board of Directors decision to force a halt to the closure of these schools. The decision also references Board action regarding the renewal of Acero’s charter agreement in 2026.

“It bears repeating that Acero Schools agree that these schools are vibrant learning communities with outstanding students, families, and colleagues. Our neighborhoods have often recognized these schools as underserved communities. There are no winners when high-quality schools are forced to close their doors. Unequal and understaffed government due to the implications of school funding and its impact on the charter school community in particular.

“While we are disappointed by the misinformation surrounding this heartbreaking situation, we welcome working with Chicago Public Schools to find long-term, sustainable solutions for everyone impacted by these anticipated closures. This has been clearly demonstrated by the nearly 20 meetings held by Acero Schools. with senior CPS officials prior to the special meeting to provide timely information to advance this initiative.

“Acero Schools followed the process outlined in the charter agreement in notifying CPS of anticipated closures. The network notified our broader community and communicated the need to engage with CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union. Acero Schools has always adhered to and continues to adhere to financial guidelines in this agreement.” “Although the financial and facility provisions included are not often mentioned in the media or discussed in public forums such as today’s special meeting, Acero will continue to advocate for adequate and fair funding and solutions that support our learning communities.”

Illinois Charter Schools Network said in a statement:

“The Illinois Charter Schools Network is disappointed to see Mayor Johnson and CTU continue the chaos in Chicago Public Schools to advance their political agenda with no public support and before newly elected school board members have taken their place as the voice of the community.

“The unfortunate truth about Acero Schools is that the difficulties were due entirely to CTU’s exorbitant financial demands and its decision several years ago to force schools to strike. The story of Acero Schools is the same story played out on a smaller scale at Chicago Public Schools today; declining enrollment , a massive budget deficit, no new revenue, and an exorbitant employment contract offer by the CTU that would leave CPS in debt for years.

“However, unlike CPS, charter schools are not taxing authorities and are legally required to be fiscally solvent. They cannot raise revenue through tax increases or pay off day loans as the district can. Additionally, charter schools have been inequitably funded by CPS for decades.” They must collectively pay the district $25 million each year in management fees and also bear the costs of the facilities, often without being included in the district’s capital budget.

“Under Illinois law, public charter schools have greater liability than district-run schools. Each charter school charter is periodically reviewed by the authorizing person, charter schools must earn revenues based on academic performance – operating rights, charter schools must offer annual charters, audits of authorizers and charter schools have to balance their budgets each year based on available revenue calls for “increased” accountability of charter schools are exposed for what they are — blame it on the Mayor and CTU. a blatant attempt to alienate.

“It is time for our city’s leadership to stop the political games and start prioritizing student success. If all stakeholders have a voice at the table, collaborative solutions to the challenges facing our public school system can be found. Charter schools have partnered with CPS and contributed to the academic improvements the district has achieved for almost 30 years.” They persist because they provide students with measurable outcomes and opportunities, and Chicago parents continue to choose them as the best public school option for their students.

“Our hope is that Mayor Johnson and CTU are willing to roll up their sleeves and work with INCS, the charter community, district schools, and newly elected Board of Education members to find real solutions to real financial and academic challenges facing our city’s schools and students with the Charter community.” You will find very pleasant partners in this work.”