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Chicago Public Schools
The charter school was one of five the Chicago Board of Education voted to save and turn into a district-run school. But the school community worries about its future after the Archdiocese of Chicago put the building up for sale.
The Chicago Board of Education is split on the district’s budget proposal for next school year. A group of mostly appointed members has asked CPS to alter its proposal that it includes a much-debated pension payment and loan.
State Sen. Rob Martwick, a lawmaker who helped usher in Chicago’s elected school board, says it’s still the mayor. Others say it’s the school board.
Chalkbeat spoke to budget watchdogs, municipal finance experts, district officials, school board members, the teachers union, community groups, and civic organizations about possible solutions for Chicago Public Schools’ budget crunch.
CPS will cut seven private custodial contracts, resulting in the loss of 480 full-time custodian jobs. The move is estimated to save $40 million.
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.
The Office for Students with Disabilities is phasing out two departments and reassigning 65 new roles to work directly with schools, an internal email from Chicago Public Schools shows. The changes aim to put high-quality instruction before compliance, a top district official said.
Block Club rounded up drives, block parties and other events across the city where you and your family can find free school supplies, backpacks, food and more.
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 adjusting start and dismissal times in order to manage transportation routes amid what officials say is an ongoing bus driver shortage.
CPS officials estimate 1500 additional students would be eligible to advance a grade or work ahead a grade level under the new policy.
More than 1,450 staff at schools were laid off Friday. Budget documents posted online indicate the school-based workforce could shrink by more than 450 positions.
CPS owes teachers retroactive raises for last school year and could be making more school-based cuts this month as it works to close a gaping deficit.
The proposed changes are aimed at providing more students the opportunity to move up a grade or take accelerated classes. Officials say internal data show most acceleration applicants come from the north side of the city, which is wealthier and whiter than other parts of Chicago.
People who took the community input survey said they want the next leader of Chicago schools to prioritize high-quality instruction, safety, and communication. The partly-elected school board is also requiring the next leader to hold a superintendent’s license.
Reductions target crossing guards and central-office employees. Trimming a $734 million deficit would require bigger moves.
Declining school enrollment has left 30% of Chicago public schools at least half-empty. The city’s failure to address this problem has come at a high cost to the district — and its students.
Pedro Martinez amended his lawsuit against the Chicago Board of Education for firing him without cause to seek damages from the teachers union and its president Stacy Davis Gates, alleging they waged a “demonization campaign” against him.
In a close vote, the board voted to appoint King, despite concerns by some members over her record.
The program started in seven Chicago schools in 2019. Today, it’s expanded to about 400 schools.