Chicago public schools

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) reports that delayed tax collections from Cook County are increasing borrowing costs. The issue coincides with a persistent budget gap at CPS.

The union representing Chicago school support staff (SEIU Illinois State Council) endorsed Jessica Biggs for school board president and over a dozen district representatives, diverging from the Chicago Teachers Union's support for Hilario Dominguez. The split affects 10 school board races, with both unions backing different candidates, though they align on five others. SEIU's endorsement highlights Biggs' experience with school budget impacts and her prior role as a CPS principal.

A study found that neighborhoods with long-vacant school buildings from Chicago's 2013 mass school closures saw a 10% increase in gun violence compared to similar areas. Former schools, including Matthew Henson Elementary in North Lawndale, remain abandoned despite city plans to repurpose them, with most closures affecting majority-Black communities.

Chicago Public Schools is reconsidering overhauling its middle management amid budget constraints and debates over the role of network offices. Staffing in these offices, which connect schools and district headquarters, has fluctuated significantly, with a recent dip due to financial deficits. Critics argue the structure is opaque, while some principals credit networks for stability.

A study found a 10% increase in gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods surrounding vacant former public schools closed in 2013, particularly in majority-Black areas. Matthew Henson Elementary School in North Lawndale, now owned by MKB Business Strategies, is among 50 closed schools, most of which remained vacant despite a 2017 city goal to address them.

A plan to build a Pete’s Fresh Market in Bronzeville, delayed for over six years, is set to be presented to Chicago’s Plan Commission on August 20. Developer Zeb McLaurin aims to secure land approval for the grocery store and retail spaces on the former Stateway Gardens site, with construction potentially starting in 2027 after resolving ownership disputes involving the city, Chicago Housing Authority, and Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools stakeholders discussed the district's 2026 budget during hearings, warning that layoffs and furloughs remain possible without a significant bailout plan. The budget crisis has raised concerns about potential workforce reductions.

Chicago Public Schools is conducting public budget hearings. The Chicago Teachers Union is opposing proposed job cuts and furlough days.

The Chicago Public Schools budget proposal includes teacher layoffs, reigniting debate about maintaining under-enrolled schools. The proposal has sparked discussions on the future of schools with low enrollment.

Over $1.6 million has been raised in Chicago school board election campaigns since October, with contribution caps lifted for the board president race. Key candidates include Victor Hendorson, Hilario Dominguez, Jessica Biggs, Jennifer Custer, and Sendhil Revuluri, as Chicago prepares for its first fully elected school board in November.

The Chicago City Council is scrutinizing the city's budget due to failed revenue projections and proposed cuts to the Chicago Public Schools. During a meeting, council members questioned Johnson's budget team regarding a half-year budget shortfall.

Chicago School Board members are divided over a Chicago Public Schools budget proposal that includes teacher layoffs and furloughs. The proposal has sparked disagreement among board members.

Chicago Public Schools released a $9.88 billion 2026-27 budget amid financial strain, including five furlough days, a spending freeze, and layoffs of 760 teachers and 800 support staff. The district seeks additional state or city funding to avoid cuts, while unions and school board members criticize the measures as harmful to students.

Anita Blanton and Chalkbeat reporter Mila Koumpilova discuss delays in Chicago Public Schools' Black Student Success Plan, which have frustrated advocates. The U.S. Department of Education has withheld grant funds related to the plan.

Chicago Public Schools laid off 161 employees to address a $732 million budget deficit, with 82 central office and 80 citywide positions affected.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) laid off 162 employees to address a $730 million budget deficit, saving $18 million. The layoffs include central office and citywide staff, with 38 represented by SEIU Local 73 and 25 by the Chicago Teachers Union. The district prioritized maintaining student-serving functions while cutting central non-essential services.

Chicago Public Schools laid off more than 160 staff members as the district works to close a budget deficit.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) laid off 162 central and citywide employees to address a $730 million budget deficit, saving $18 million. The layoffs target departments like Career and College Success, Information and Technology Services, and others, with 38 employees represented by SEIU Local 73 and 25 by the Chicago Teachers Union.

Eugene Robinson Jr., Chicago Public Schools’ first director of Black student success, discusses the challenges of implementing the Black Student Success Plan amid federal funding disputes and community expectations. The initiative, aligned with state law and the district’s strategic plan, faced delays in forming a guiding committee and legal scrutiny from the Trump administration.

Chicago Board of Education members aligned with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union urged Governor JB Pritzker to hold a special legislative session to increase education funding, citing a $700 million deficit in Chicago Public Schools' budget. They advocated for progressive tax policies targeting wealthy individuals and corporations, but legislation for a millionaire's tax stalled in May.

Chicago school board announced partial members of the Black Student Achievement Committee, formed to oversee the district’s Black Student Success Plan. The committee, selected from 500 applicants, includes community leaders, educators, and administrators, with four additional members to be announced later.

Chicago's school board approved a resolution prohibiting candidates from accepting campaign donations from current or prospective vendors of Chicago Public Schools. The 16-1 vote aims to prevent conflicts of interest, requiring board members to recuse themselves or return donations from vendors. Critics, like board member Che Smith, argue the resolution targets some donors while allowing others like PACs to contribute.

Chicago Public Schools cut funding for assistant principals in schools with fewer than 250 students to address a $732.5 million budget deficit. Most small schools retained their assistant principals using discretionary funds or exceptions, leaving about 40 campuses without the position. The decision faced criticism from school leaders and unions, who argue assistant principals are critical for school operations and leadership development.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls participating in girls' school sports in Idaho and West Virginia, prompting criticism from Chicago LGBTQ+ advocates who argue the ruling supports discrimination against trans youth. Illinois currently protects transgender students under state guidance, but the decision may embolden challenges to these protections.

A Crystal Lake woman teaches special education in Chicago Public Schools while managing phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic condition that makes protein toxic to the brain. She and her daughter are among the one in 25,000 people globally who have PKU, diagnosed in her case at 14 days old.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has denied claims from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) that it is considering shortening the school year to save money. CPS stated that reducing instructional time is not an option.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will not cut instructional time or the Safe Passage program despite a $732 million budget deficit. The district plans to reduce non-classroom costs, including custodians and central office staff, while preserving partnerships with organizations like Youth Guidance and City Year. CPS CEO Macquline King confirmed no reductions in instructional time, though the Chicago Teachers Union was informed a shortened school year was under consideration.

Chicago Public Schools is considering reducing the school year by two weeks next year as a cost-saving measure to address a financial deficit.

Chicago Public Schools teachers are warning about potential cuts as the district faces a $700 million budget deficit. The financial shortfall has raised concerns about the district's future.

McCook is proposing a stadium to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. The article also covers developments in the funding dispute involving Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Chicago Public Schools are increasingly relying on alternate revenue streams as budgets tighten, according to a report by Chalkbeat and the Chicago Tribune. Mila Koumpilova from Chalkbeat discussed the findings on The Point.

The Consulate General of Israel in Chicago hosted a 78th birthday celebration, drawing 500 attendees including Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Attendees discussed concerns about anti-Israel sentiment in Chicago Public Schools, with Mendoza criticizing the teaching of Palestine as Israel's name. Critics highlighted Israel's military actions in Gaza and rising anti-Zionist influence.

Chicago schools, including Kenwood Academy, are increasingly relying on independently raised funds to cover essentials due to the district's financial struggles. Independent revenue for CPS schools rose 78% since 2021, reaching $48 million in fiscal year 2025, with funds used for staffing, athletic equipment, and academic resources.

Beatrice Lumpkin, a workers' rights leader and Communist Party member for nearly 90 years, died at 107. She was involved in labor struggles in Chicago, including supporting Starbucks unionization and advocating for workers fired at the Wisconsin Steel plant closure in 1980.

A mayoral working group in Chicago released recommendations to reduce structural barriers for trans people, focusing on housing, healthcare, workplace inclusivity, and data collection. The report, created to address anti-trans violence, highlights immediate actions like improving access to city services and long-term strategies for policy changes across agencies.

School districts in Illinois, including Valley View 365U and Chicago Public Schools, face federal lawsuits and complaints from conservative groups over policies allowing transgender students access to bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender. Pat Green, a parent advocating for his transgender son after a bullying incident, highlights the emotional toll on families and students amid these legal battles.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King testified before a U.S. House committee on policies related to gender identity, sex education, abortion, and religious freedom. The hearing follows federal scrutiny of CPS's diversity initiatives and investigations into its Black Student Success Plan. King was subpoenaed by the Republican-led committee, which also invited superintendents from San Francisco and Loudoun County school districts.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero is a candidate for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent position. He has been Denver's superintendent since 2021, with a contract through 2028, and was previously a finalist for Chicago Public Schools and considered for New York City Public Schools.

CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King attended a congressional hearing criticized by Rep. Mike Quigley as a waste of taxpayer dollars. Some Chicago Democrats argued the hearing prioritized politics over parents' rights.

Three superintendents from San Francisco Unified School District, Loudoun County, and Chicago Public Schools defended their policies on transgender student inclusion and parental involvement during a congressional hearing titled 'Breaking Trust,' where Republican lawmakers criticized the policies and accused the districts of violating parental rights. The superintendents emphasized creating inclusive school environments and respecting parental partnerships.