Chicago Public Schools

The U.S. Air Force deactivated the Chicago school's program for noncompliance on Aug. 11, one week before school started. CPS announced it would continue JROTC through the U.S. Army.

In a potentially final bid to whip up support for its budget, CPS officials said the desire to reimburse the city for a much-debated pension payment and taking out a $200 million loan would result in cuts to schools and a credit downgrade for the district.

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

The new law, called Safe Schools for All, creates protections upheld in a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case, which said all students are afforded access to a free and public education, regardless of immigration status.

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.

From changes in enrollment to changes in the classroom, there are several things to watch for this school year.

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.