CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Board of Education ahs passed a new resolution meant to pressure the charter school operator Acero Schools into keeping seven of its schools open. Charter schools such as those run by Acero are privately managed, but publicly funded.

In the latest development in a monthslong battle between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union, the school board will convene for a special meeting to address the impending closures of several charter schools.

The Chicago Board of Education voted unanimously to explore keeping the seven Acero charter schools open, giving families and teachers hope, and requiring Acero to return any unspent public funds and property if they close the schools.