CPS School Budget Review
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently released school-level budgets, giving principals and Local School Councils only two weeks to review and approve them—a shorter timeline than usual. These budgets are based on the district’s most optimistic deficit projection of $229 million, which assumes the city will provide $300 million in new funding through either state support or tax-increment financing (TIF). However, CPS also presented two worse-case scenarios, with deficits reaching $529 million and $734 million, potentially requiring the layoff of up to 3,000 school staff. Notably, the projections do not include expected additional costs such as principal contracts or pension payments.
This has led to growing concern among school leaders. The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association criticized the budgets as misleading, warning that schools may have to cut staff over the summer when actual finances become clearer. Despite CPS's recent shift away from student-based budgeting toward a need-focused model using the Opportunity Index, even high-need schools are facing significant cuts. For instance, a north side high school that climbed in the index rankings is still losing substantial flexible funds and several staff positions.
Meanwhile, CEO Pedro Martinez is set to depart on June 18, leaving his successor to manage these financial challenges. Community engagement efforts are underway to help guide the search for the next CPS leader. CPS and the Alma Advisory Group have launched a series of public meetings to gather feedback on what qualities the new leader should have. Many attendees have voiced a preference for someone with strong ties to CPS and formal superintendent credentials.
These sessions mark an important moment for public involvement in CPS governance, especially as Chicago still lacks a fully elected school board. While some question the effectiveness of these meetings, turnout by local officials and community members suggests growing interest in shaping the district’s future. A separate event by Kids First Chicago offered a more direct line of communication with board members, allowing the public to raise concerns and engage personally with district leadership.