Nonprofit · EIN 36-4235934
ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC
Tax-exempt · CHICAGO, IL 60603
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $119,122,514 | $117,072,957 | $2,049,557 | $110,309,333 | $56,700,019 | $53,609,314 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $124,882,198 | $120,344,943 | $4,537,255 | $109,586,537 | $60,445,857 | $49,140,680 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $124,373,152 | $119,294,736 | $5,078,416 | $110,284,206 | $66,591,684 | $43,692,522 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $118,804,565
- of which government grants
- $118,537,572
- Program service revenue
- $262,832
- Investment income
- $40,386
- Net gain from sales of assets
- -$1,529,128
- Other revenue
- $14,731
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $1,130,094
- Other salaries and wages
- $60,243,478
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $83,400,055
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $558,396
- Accounting fees
- $147,694
- Occupancy
- $1,283,167
- Depreciation
- $3,790,653
- Program services (functional)
- $110,247,782
- Management and general (functional)
- $6,701,236
- Fundraising (functional)
- $123,939
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $109,586,537
- Total assets, end of year
- $110,309,333
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $56,700,019
- Net assets, end of year
- $53,609,314
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $50,026,930
- Publicly traded securities
- $16,310,156
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $53,396,841
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $212,473
- Gross receipts
- $124,108,960
- Employees
- 736
- Volunteers
- 76
- Year formed
- 1997
- State of legal domicile
- IL
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ | PRESIDENT & CEO Officer | 40 | $290,543 | $59,021 |
| RICHARD E VALERGA | CHIEF FINANCIAL & OP OFFICER Officer | 40 | $245,433 | $52,931 |
| ALFREDO NAMBO | CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $209,865 | $37,658 |
| HELENA C STANGLE | CHIEF CULTURE OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $209,865 | $24,778 |
| MELISSA SWEAZY | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $157,351 | $42,019 |
| ANALAURA ALCANTAR | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $148,712 | $41,328 |
| MADELYN P BARTHOLOMEW | DEPUTY CHIEF OP OFFICER Highest-paid employee | 40 | $154,931 | $29,431 |
| ARIEL A CORREA | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $154,842 | $12,387 |
| MARK NAGODE | FACILITIES AND ASSET MANAGER Highest-paid employee | 40 | $147,226 | $12,238 |
| JAIRO NARANJO | CHAIRMAN Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DOUGLASS HEWITT | VICE-CHAIRMAN Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ROXANNE MATIAS | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SIMON YOHANAN | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JOSEPH GARCIA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| KEVIN J GUITTERREZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
5 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARCO A RODRIGUEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| MARGERY YEAGER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| SOCORRO VEGA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| VIVIAN MIKHAIL | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| LIONEL SARTI | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 20 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ | PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIV Officer | 40 | $283,216 | $42,226 |
| RICHARD E VALERGA | CHIEF FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OFFICER Officer | 40 | $191,560 | $37,168 |
| CLAUDIA E CASTRO | CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $192,560 | $20,581 |
| HELENA C STANGLE | CHIEF CULTURE OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $191,560 | $20,936 |
| ALFREDO NAMBO | CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $181,964 | $29,397 |
| CHRISTOPHER J ALLEN | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $150,684 | $34,908 |
| ALYSSA B DONS | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $145,914 | $27,653 |
| MELISSA SWEAZY | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $143,834 | $24,933 |
| MADELYN P BARTHOLOMEW | DEPUTY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Highest-paid employee | 40 | $144,109 | $23,724 |
| ARIEL A CORREA | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Highest-paid employee | 40 | $150,367 | $11,535 |
| YENI ROJAS | CHAIRWOMAN Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DOUGLASS HEWITT | VICE-CHAIRMAN Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ROXANNE MATIAS | SECRETARY Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JAIRO NARANJO | TREASURER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN PELISSERO | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| KELWIN HARRIS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| MARCO A RODRIGUEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| MARGERY YEAGER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SIMON YOHANAN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SOCORRO VEGA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 21 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ | PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $260,000 | $38,640 |
| RICHARD VALERGA | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Officer | 40 | $182,070 | $37,762 |
| HELENA C STANGLE | CHIEF CULTURE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $182,070 | $22,081 |
| ALFREDO NAMBO | CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER Officer | 40 | $182,070 | $19,254 |
| CLAUDIA CASTRO | CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $182,070 | $16,144 |
| MIGUEL TOVAR | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Officer | 40 | $178,500 | $13,256 |
| JOANNE TANNER | DEPUTY CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER Key employee | 40 | $159,181 | $22,391 |
| CHRISTOPHER J ALLEN | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Key employee | 40 | $152,298 | $26,013 |
| MELISSA SWEAZY | SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Key employee | 40 | $150,436 | $15,870 |
| CORREA ARIEL A | PRINCIPAL Key employee | 40 | $150,426 | $5,885 |
| YENI ROJAS | CHAIRWOMAN Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DOUGLASS HEWITT | VICE-CHAIRMAN Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ROXANNE MATIAS | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JAIRO NARANJO | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN PELISSERO | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| KELWIN HARRIS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| MARCO A RODRIGUEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| MARGERY YEAGER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SIMON YOHANAN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL BAUMERT | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SOCORRO VEGA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 18 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60603-3200
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ, 18 S MICHIGAN AVENUE 900, CHICAGO, IL 60603
- Signed the 990
- RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- Phone
- (312) 637-3900
- Website
- WWW.ACEROSCHOOLS.ORG
- Return prepared by
- CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP
Mission
TRANSFORMING MINDS THROUGH ACADEMIC EMPOWERMENT AND SUCCESS. ACERO PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL LAUNCH THE NEXT GENERATION OF EXTRAORDINARY LIFE-LONG LEARNERS, DISCERNERS AND DOERS.
Program accomplishments
- STUDENT FEE - EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL SERVING 6,179 STUDENTS THROUGH 12 ELEMENTARY AND 3 HIGH SCHOOLS, RESPECTIVELY.Expenses $110,247,782 · revenue $262,832
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 36-4235934
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- School
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 2001
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $110,309,333
- Income (IRS master file)
- $124,108,960
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $119,122,514 | $117,072,957 | $110,309,333 | XML |
| 990 | June 2024 | $124,882,198 | $120,344,943 | $109,586,537 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2023 | $124,373,152 | $119,294,736 | $110,284,206 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $117,350,059 | $110,041,797 | $101,251,624 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 36-4235934).
Questions about ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC
- What is the EIN of ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC is 36-4235934.
- Is ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2001.
- Are donations to ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ.
- Who are the officers and directors of ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 20 people; 9 received compensation from the organization, the highest $290,543 (RICHARD L RODRIGUEZ, PRESIDENT & CEO).
- How much revenue does ACERO CHARTER SCHOOLS INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $119,122,514, expenses of $117,072,957 and total assets of $110,309,333 at year end.
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