Can a community-led initiative reverse declining student enrollment? Chicago is trying to transform three neighborhood schools with a $41-million investment instead of closing underenrolled campuses.
There are about 12,000 fewer students in CPS as of the 15th day of school, according to preliminary enrollment data analyzed by Chalkbeat.
Before Thursday’s budget vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office and Chicago Public Schools officials tussled for weeks over whether the district should take out a high-cost loan for a pension payment.
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.