New Illinois Education Association Survey

According to a new poll released by the Illinois Education Association (IEA), public school funding is a concern for many Illinois residents. The poll, which was conducted on over 1,000 people cites 83% of individuals believe that funding education is an important issue within their community and 16% of individuals believe it is the single most important issue. Of those surveyed, 71% believe Illinois should increase its funding for public schools. Chicago and surrounding suburban residents account for 40% of those surveyed.

This survey illuminates the public perception of the Illinois public school system at large. Overall, Illinois residents have a negative opinion of the state’s public education. IEA’s President, Kathi Griffin claims that 62% of residents think “the state is on the wrong track” concerning public school education. When asked to compare the quality of public schools nationally versus those in Illinois, residents were more likely to give Illinois schools a failing status.

Though many concerns were raised regarding the Illinois public education system, residents have a much higher opinion of teachers as individuals. Around 58% of residents had positive statements about teachers, believing they are underpaid for the necessary work they do. This sentiment is echoed as many individuals believe teachers should be the ones developing standards for students in the public school system. The Illinois Education Association hopes this new information will propel lawmakers to implement changes regarding the funding of Illinois public schools.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS to Absorb Five Acero Charter Schools

In October of 2024, the Chicago based Acero charter network announced the closure of seven of its schools by June of 2025. These schools include Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Paz, Cruz, Santiago, and Tamayo. The network claims these closures are necessary due to rising maintenance costs, low attendance, and a $40 million dollar deficit. The shutdowns would affect 2,000 students and more than 250 teachers, making the decision extremely controversial amongst the community.

While Acero asserts that students who previously attended these schools would be allowed to assimilate to one of the several remaining Acero campuses, parents remain unsatisfied with this solution. They fear their students will not receive the same quality of education because of larger class sizes and transition adjustments. To fight this outcome, parents and teachers have come together to seek a solution through Chicago Public Schools. At the forefront of this crusade, Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, demanded that CPS absorb the schools in jeopardy.

Following months of public outcry and intense negotiations, the Chicago Board of Education voted to keep five of the aforementioned seven charter schools open. In a 16-3 vote, the decision to absorb these schools won by an overwhelming majority. However, those who voted against the notion fear that there is not enough money in the budget as CPS is currently operating under a $500 million dollar deficit. Nevertheless, Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Santiago, and Tamayo will remain open for the 2025-26 school year while Paz and Cruz will close as originally planned.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266