Forty-two aldermen signed on to Ald. Roderick Sawyer’s (6) resolution calling for a moratorium on new charter schools in Chicago. Given CPS’ financial woes, Ald. Sawyer said he doesn’t think it is in the City’s best interest to approve any of the 22 new charter school proposals currently awaiting consideration by the Chicago Board of Education. “Just a few years after CPS closed 50 public, neighborhood schools, and with our school system facing a continued funding crisis, the last thing we need is 22 new, privately managed charter schools added to the pool,” Ald. Sawyer was quoted saying in a press release.

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Education and Child Development, chaired by Ald. Will Burns (4), one of the eight aldermen not signed on as a co-sponsor. The other seven aldermen are: Ed Burke (14), who recently expressed interest in having a Noble Charter School in his ward; Willie Cochran (20); Walter Burnett (27), an outspoken charter school supporter; Carrie Austin (34), who was absent at yesterday’s meeting; Emma Mitts (37), who ran a tough campaign against a Chicago Teacher’s Union backed candidate; Michelle Smith (43); and Joe Moore (49).