Urgency in Passing Chicago Public Schools Budget

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leaders have raised concerns about the pressing need to approve the district’s $9.88 billion budget. Without approval by the upcoming deadline, CPS risks missing payroll for its 45,000 employees. CEO Macquline King emphasizes that failing to approve the budget would disrupt essential services for students.

Board Voting and District Actions

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the 2026-27 budget on July 30, a month before the mandated deadline. The recent budget proposal includes layoffs of over 700 teachers. CPS plans to halt spending starting January and convert five professional development days into furloughs if additional funding isn’t secured.

“If we’re not able to make payroll, then it ultimately disrupts services for our students.” – CPS CEO Macquline King

Funding Challenges and Strategies

CPS relies on tax anticipation notes (TANs) to manage cash flow between property tax payments. Delays in property tax payments have increased this reliance. Some board members have encouraged developing a strategy to secure more state or outside funding, given the district’s 73% adequacy target under the state’s Evidence-Based Funding formula.

CTU members have called for rejecting the budget proposal, stressing the adverse impacts it has on teachers and schools. Several board members express concerns over equitable impacts, urging the board to reconsider cuts they consider detrimental to schools.

Financial Strain and Developing Solutions

District leaders defend the budget cuts as essential to address a $732 million deficit. Furloughs, seen as a last resort, would save $17 million per day but affect teachers’ pay. CPS seeks additional revenue options, including tax increment financing and an interest-free loan program from Cook County.

“We don’t want to have to implement those days as we receive additional funds. We would pull back one, two or all. Hopefully all, because ultimately we see professional development equally as important as in any other day of the school year.” – CEO Macquline King

Though last year CPS paid $43 million in interest on short-term loans, potential participation in Cook County’s program could reduce these costs. If allowed, the district hopes to redirect funds to classrooms and potentially avoid furloughs.

Rally Against Cuts

CTU organized a rally before the board meeting, advocating against budget cuts and furloughs. Members stressed that students and educators should not bear financial burdens from crises they did not create.

“Chicago students, educators, and school communities are being forced to bear the cost of a crisis they did not create.” – CTU Recording Secretary Vicki Kurzydlo