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As Chicago Public Schools (CPS) confronts a $734 million budget deficit, the district is initiating a series of citywide community engagement sessions. These sessions aim to inform families, educators, and residents about the budget situation and involve them in shaping the district's future. The public sessions include two learning sessions, four in-person feedback sessions, and one virtual feedback session. They will address CPS's financial state, long-term fiscal challenges, and possible solutions.
“We are at a pivotal moment for public education in Chicago,” said CPS Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “Over the next several weeks, we must solve for a $734 million deficit. These conversations are essential—not only to meet our legal obligation to present a balanced budget but to build a shared vision for supporting the more than 325,000 students who rely on us every day.”
Students will return to school on August 18, 2025. The Board of Education must approve a balanced FY2026 budget by August 29.
The district faces revenue pressures as it remains over $600 million below the state's target funding level of 90% for all districts by fiscal year 2027. Federal pandemic relief funding has ended, and ongoing federal funding through Title II, Title III, and Title IV is uncertain. CPS also has limited ability to generate local revenue due to state law restrictions.
To address these issues, CPS is collaborating with state and local partners to find additional revenue sources like potential surplus funds from Tax Increment Financing.
Two online public learning sessions will discuss CPS’s budget challenges. The first session covers the district’s budget history and current fiscal realities; the second examines potential solutions including debt restructuring and resource allocation.
Public Learning Session 1 (Virtual): Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Topic: Understanding the District’s Fiscal History and Budget Structure Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83467061702
Public Learning Session 2 (Virtual): Wednesday, July 16 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Topic: Exploring Solutions and Community-Led Advocacy Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84631173906
Community feedback sessions will provide a brief budget overview followed by discussions where participants can offer critical feedback directly to CPS leaders.
In-Person & Virtual Community Engagement Sessions:
Session 1:
Monday, July 14, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts
Session 2:
Tuesday, July 15 | George Westinghouse College Prep
Session3:
Thursday July17| Theodore Roosevelt High School
Session4:
SaturdayJuly19| Back oftheYards CollegePrep
Session5(Virtual):
MondayJuly21| Please visitCPS.edu/budgetforup-to-dateinformationonPublicLearningSessionsandCommunityEngagementSessions
