On Monday, the district held a pair of public hearings on the spending plan which is already facing significant push back from the Chicago Teachers Union.
CPS may be in dire financial straits facing a $720 million deficit, but CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King said that well over half of the teachers that got laid off are expected to get offered new positions.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Chicago Public Schools lays off 162 employees amid $700 million budget shortfall
More than half the board members backed by the teacher's union, the pressure campaign is underway.
"To the Board of Education we say, fix the proposal to give students what they need or vote no," CTU Member Kat Zamarron said.
King says the budget her team has put together represents shared sacrifice.
"It's a very painful budget for all parties involved," King said. "No cuts are ever, ever feel good or wanted. However, I think if you look at the budget, you'll see that all constituents, to some degree, you know, are being impacted."
She says many of the teachers who were laid off should be able get rehired before the start of the school year.
"We have 1,700 vacancies that are available for our teachers, and we expect about 65 to 85% of those teachers will find new homes," King said.
During the public hearing, the teacher's union continuing their messaging directly to board members.
"Our demands are simple: no cuts, no furloughs. This budget can't be balanced at the expense of our students and professionals who nurture and care for our city's children," CTU Recording Secretary Vicky Kirzydlo said.
"If they reject the budget, the overall budget, then CPS would not be able to make payroll in September," King said.
The budget only requires a simple majority to pass. The board is aiming to hold a vote on July 30.
Supply giveaway in Chicago
Hundreds of teachers gather for free school supply giveaway in Chicago
Hundreds of teachers lined up for a chance to fill a bag with free school supplies during a giveaway that gave participants just 45 seconds to collect materials for their classrooms.
At the start of the event, teachers rushed to gather as many supplies as they could before time ran out.
"You went in with a strategy," Juliana Paz, a special education teacher said.
For many educators, the event provided supplies they would otherwise purchase with their own money.
Paz said she spends at least $1,000 on classroom supplies each year.
"Our mind is all over the place with anticipation of what can and what may or may not happen," said Alesia Franklin-Allen, principal of George Leland STEM School. "Hope that people do the right thing and make the right decision for children."
Organizers said the giveaway was intended to support educators as they prepare for the school year.
"We're showing up and giving back to the people who service our group and make sure that everyone is learning to the best of their ability," said Christine Vondran, a BIC team lead.
According to 2025 data from the National Education Association, a basket of common school supplies was estimated to cost 7.3% more than the year before.
Wooding said teachers often find creative ways to make sure students have what they need.
BIC said the Supply Ride will next travel to Austin and organizers hope to bring the program back to Chicago next year.