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18h ago

Chicago Public Schools Open as $732 Million Budget Gap Leaves Many Vacancies

The district must secure uncommitted city or state aid or obtain short-term tax-backed borrowing to avoid midyear cuts and costlier financing

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 05: A sign is displayed on the front of the headquarters for Chicago Public Schools on January 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Classes at all of Chicago public schools have been canceled today by the school district after the teacher’s union voted to return to virtual learning citing unsafe conditions in the schools as the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Schools opened on schedule for the new year with Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King greeting students and families.
  • Chicago Public Schools disclosed a roughly $732 million shortfall this summer that led to layoffs and other cuts.
  • The Chicago Board of Education redirected $100 million intended to bring staff back but many positions remain vacant at the start of classes.
  • CPS is seeking additional city or state funding or short-term, tax-backed borrowing and faces risks such as midyear reductions, higher interest costs, or trouble covering payroll if that money does not arrive.
  • Community groups provided free haircuts and supplies to support students and the district will watch enrollment figures and this fall’s vote for all 21 school-board seats for signals about funding and governance.