Board reviews YCCS campus relocation and conditional approval for Aspira Pantoha self-closure

District officials asked the board to amend a charter authorization to allow Youth Connection Charter Schools (YCCS) to relocate the Chatham campus to a new facility at 4017 S. Drexel, citing lease expiration at the current site and improved facilities at the proposed site. The options network said YCCS will provide bus cards and targeted van service for students with transportation safety concerns and guarantees for seats at other YCCS campuses for families who prefer alternatives.

Separately, CPS staff requested preemptive mutual consent to a potential Aspira Pantoha self-closure, conditioned on the YCCS board voting to close by April 30, written confirmation by May 1 and a comprehensive family communication and student-transition plan. Staff said the conditional approval is intended to give families ample notice and time to transition students if YCCS decides to close the campus; the proposal includes stipulations that would rescind mutual consent if the operator fails to meet the transition conditions.

Officials said there are no direct financial implications for CPS from the recommended amendments but stressed the urgency of timely communication to families and staff. Board members asked for confirmation about community outreach and staff notifications; options staff said Chatham relocation outreach included town halls, aldermanic contact and targeted parent surveys. Several public commenters earlier raised concerns about staff awareness and communication; staff promised to follow up with YCCS to ensure timely notice to employees and families.

Why it matters: The relocation is intended to preserve an option school and limit disruption to 40–60 students who will continue in YCCS programs; conditional approval for a potential Aspira closure is designed to provide planned transition space for affected students if the operator decides to end campus operations.

What’s next: Staff will work with YCCS on transition plans and communicate details to families and staff as required by the contingencies described in the board item.

Provenance: Item presentation and Q&A appear at SEG 3330–SEG 3510; public comments concerning Aspira appear earlier at SEG 2100–SEG 2210.