2 days ago
Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy announces official closure despite appeals
(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy (CHPA) has announced its official closure after its repeated appeals to stay open were denied by both Pueblo School District 60 (D60) and the Colorado Board of Education.
Parents and guardians who had students in CHPA received a letter from the CHPA Board of Directors announcing that the closure would be effective Monday, June 30. CHPA's charter contract with D60 ends that same day.
While we continue to hold out hope that something may yet change to allow CHPA to continue serving students, we must now shift our focus to ensuring a thoughtful and compassionate transition for our students, families, and dedicated staff.
For over 25 years, CHPA has stood as a beacon of excellence, opportunity, and cultural pride—an institution that has empowered generations of students to rise, lead, and succeed not only here in Pueblo, but in communities around the world. That legacy will not be forgotten. It lives on in every graduate, every family touched, and every life changed by the work done within these walls.
While we will never agree with the decision made by District 60, we recognize the broader challenges that public education is facing across our region and our nation. Our students—no matter the district or school they attend—deserve our unwavering commitment and collective support. As a community, we must rise above division and ensure that every child is met with care, quality education, and the promise of a bright future.
Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy Board of Directors
D60's Board of Education initially denied the preparatory school's charter contract in January due to reasons that included material and contract violations, failing to meet progress toward achievement, and failing to meet accepted standards of fiscal management. A month later, Chavez Huerta appealed to the State Board of Education and appeared before them on Thursday, May 15.
During the May hearing, the State Board of Education sided with D60 with a 7-1 vote. The State Board also noted the charter had various issues.
'The leadership of Pueblo School District 60 and Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy met earlier this week to begin the transition process for school closure. This transition meeting is required per Colorado Statute, the Charter Contract, and D60 Board Policy to ensure a smooth transition for students and families,' D60 said in a statement. 'The school closure follows years of improper fiscal management and financial instability at the charter school. D60 is committed to assisting CHPA throughout this process and welcomes the opportunity to partner with families as we support all students in our community throughout the enrollment process.'
D60 released a letter on May 20 to CHPA families, where they detailed how to find their neighborhood school and enroll their children.
Chavez Huerta was established in 2004, with three schools in Pueblo: Cesar Chavez Academy, Erislia Cruz Middle School, and Dolores Huerta Preparatory High.
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