INCS APPLAUD ISBE CHARTER SCHOOL RENEWAL APPEALS
INCS APPLAUD ISBE CHARTER SCHOOL RENEWAL APPEALS
The vote underscores the need for a statewide charter appeal route.
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) applauds the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for approving the appeal of LEARN 6 and LEARN 10. Despite attempts to close both schools by the local authorizer, ISBE saw the value that LEARN 6 and LEARN 10 provide for not only their students, but District 187 as a whole. Both schools are pillars in their communities, providing high-quality public education for students.
Yesterday’s vote was the culmination of months of advocacy from LEARN families. The community has attended meetings, spoken during public comment, contacted board members, signed petitions, shared their stories, and stood up for their schools. In doing so, they have ensured North Chicago has high-quality public elementary schools for future generations.
This renewal appeal reflects why Illinois must preserve a strong statewide authorizing and independent appeal structure. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Illinois charter school law, today demonstrates that the existing appeal pathway works exactly as intended: A local district made an initial decision, an independent hearing officer conducted a thorough review through an educational lens, and Superintendent Sanders provided a recommendation grounded in statewide standards, fairness, and the best interests of students.
Having a statewide authorizer and appeal pathway does not diminish local authority. ISBE creates a balanced public structure that promotes accountability, good-faith negotiation, and fair process for students and schools across Illinois. Illinois students are best served when high-performing public schools can operate within a fair, transparent, and sustainable framework that protects both accountability and access.
High-performing public schools deserve fair, consistent, and rigorous evaluation no matter where they are located. INCS and the broader charter public school community look forward to continued partnership with state and local leaders to ensure every Illinois student, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality public school that meets their needs.
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