The district says it will not be able to make payroll in September if the budget does not pass Thursday, but union leadership is fighting against it.
The Chicago Board of Education is expected to vote on a proposed nearly $10-billion spending plan Thursday that calls for roughly 1,600 teacher and support staff layoffs.
While district officials said they need the approved budget so they can make payroll in September, the Chicago Teachers Union plans to fight the layoffs and wants to delay any vote.
All this could trigger a shutdown ahead of the school year.
This month, CPS unveiled its latest proposed $9.8 billion budget proposal as the district faces a more than $700-million budget deficit.
The original budget proposal relies on tax increment funding revenue, short term financing to offset delayed property tax distributions from Cook County, and personnel cuts of 760 teachers, 801 teachers aides and 162 central office staff.
The revised budget took a proposed five furlough days during the next school year off the table.
District officials said the shortfall is a result in part of depleted pandemic relief funds, rising operational costs, and lower student enrollment.
CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King says the upcoming school year could be in jeopardy if a budget isn't approved , writing in part in a lengthy emailed statement, "We are already on the knife's edge. If we do not pass a budget... based on realistic and actual revenue, we will be unable to access short-term financing, and we will fail to make our first round of payroll for the school year -- essentially shutting down the District as staff and students are supposed to be returning to the classroom."
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is pushing to delay the vote to make more changes.
CTU is planning a news conference before the board meeting.
CPS board members have until August 31 to approve a final budget.