ALBANY PARK — The expansion of charter schools received a resounding "no" vote from the 33rd Ward's electorate Tuesday.
A ballot referendum simply asked: "Shall the Chicago Public Schools, which face a budget deficit, approve the expansion of charter schools?"
Of the 15,269 voters who weighed in on the issue, an overwhelming 9,215 or 60.35 percent said "no"; and 6,054 or 39.65 said "yes," according to results posted by the Board of Election Commissioners.
“This sends a clear message to our state and city officials that we want action on a moratorium," Nicholas Burt, spokesman for the independent political organization 33rd Ward Working Families, said in a statement.
"If our politicians allow new charter schools to open, they may be able to say they’re representing the mayor and corporate interests, but they can no longer say they’re representing the will of their constituents," Burt said.
The referendum is non-binding, meaning advisory only as a gauge of public opinion, with no effect on actual law.
The 33rd Ward encompasses portions of Albany Park, Avondale, Irving Park and Ravenswood Manor.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
