The end of Alma’s work no the search is the latest twist in a search process that began last spring and hasn’t yet produced a permanent CEO. Six elected board members are blaming the mayor’s office and its allies for ‘sabotaging’ the process.

Some school board members raised concerns about the first semester ending after winter break in the next two school years. Chicago Public Schools officials said their proposed calendar is an option preferred by most surveyed families.

Three charters are leaning on their overseer, Chicago Public Schools, to help with making payroll. Critics argue fiscal missteps are the cause of the fiscal distress, but charter advocates counter it’s due to district underfunding.

A libertarian-leaning advocacy group has persuaded more than two dozen Illinois counties and townships to place a nonbinding question on next month’s primary ballot supporting a new federal tax-credit scholarship program backed by the Trump administration.

McMahon’s visit drew opposition — and some support — from people in the school community over the direction of the Trump administration.

The board will reopen applications from Feb. 2-9. The committee is charged with helping CPS implement its Black Student Success Plan, which is meant to boost academics and improve school climates for Black students.

The school district will join districts across the state and northwest Indiana in closing down operations Friday.

2026 will bring fresh budget issues and school board elections in Chicago, while Illinois leaders may have to grapple with a significant loss in federal child care funding.

The funding increase would be in line with past years but doesn’t keep up with inflation and comes as the state is facing a major deficit.

The extra money comes from special taxing districts for development.