Board postpones decision on Aspira‑run Pantoa campus after parents, teachers raise alarms

Board members divided the Youth Connection/charter agenda item and voted first to approve relocating the Chatham campus to 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., effective July 1, 2026 (adopted by roll call). The board then postponed a separate measure that would give the charter holder (Aspira/YCCCS) the legal authority to decide whether the Pantoa campus remains open beyond the school year.

At the April 23 meeting, Jen Conan, CTU Charter Division Chair, said the district and charter organizations asked the board to approve a measure related to Antonio Pantoa without informing families, staff or students; she urged the board to reject any option that would permit a closure without community input. Several Pantoa teachers and parents testified that they learned of the possible closing only after questions arose at the agenda review meeting.

Board members divided the YCCS matter into two votes and approved the Chatham relocation unanimously (recorded roll call). By contrast, the motion to allow Aspira/YCCCS authority over Pantoa’s future was postponed to the board’s May 28 meeting. The postponement was adopted 14–5 after extended public testimony from the Pantoa community asking for time, transparency and alternatives to closure.

District staff and the CEO said the vote under consideration was not an immediate closure vote but a procedural step to empower the charter holder to make an informed decision; Dr. King told the board: “This is not a vote to close the school and CPS is not pressuring YCCS to close this campus. Today's vote is about giving YCCCS the legal ability to make its own decision.”

What’s next: The board scheduled further consideration of the Pantoa item for the May 28 meeting; board members asked district staff to improve notice to families and to engage community stakeholders before any final action.