Experts say the district must improve its credit rating and deal with aging buildings.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and interim CPS CEO Macquline King rang the ceremonial first bell to mark the 2025-26 school year on the playground of Courtenay Language Arts Center.

Chicago Public Schools unveiled a budget for the looming school year that closes a $734 million budget gap, though it relies on city tax dollars it hasn’t received yet.

Officials said the spending plan for the 2025-26 school year that’s expected to be unveiled Wednesday will not include a $175 million

Principals are receiving a 4% cost-of-living increase for this past school year under the new contract.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, as well as CPS and Chicago Teachers Union officials, hailed the initiative’s expansion even as they acknowledged the fiscal pressures that could endanger it.

In a note to families, a school district official detailed how the district’s belt-tightening could be felt day-to-day at schools.

The district is changing how it assigns staff serving students with disabilities as labor unions voice concerns.

The $734 million funding gap assumes the district will reimburse the city for a pension payment that covers school district and city workers.

With a new interim CEO, the school district must close a $529 million deficit