With a district facing an almost $1 billion budget deficit, CPS is faced with some tough choices.
CPS student enrollment has dropped by 45,000 students during the past seven years. Yet, its budget has gone way up. With the help of COVID-19 federal funds, the district added more than 10,000 positions.
"However, the relief funding is now gone, and it's difficult for the district to support and sustain that that same level of staffing," said CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King.
During a budget briefing on Tuesday, King would not say how many positions may be cut nor would she go as far to say every school faces a reduced budget. But the reality is that CPS faces a $732 million deficit with revenue streams that may not be available this year.
"There's no rabbits to pull out of hats this time there are no big pools of money," said Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson.
Ferguson doubts the city can provide as much TIFF money as it did last year. In addition, he says CPS can no longer afford to restructure debt. The Chicago Teachers Union says state lawmakers must do their part since CPS is only funded at 73% of what the state considers adequate.
"We also know Springfield is choosing to fund billionaires and big corporations with a mega projects bill. We think schools, vital services, need to be protected, first and foremost," said CTU Vice President Jackson Potter.
But several state lawmakers say more money from Springfield this year is doubtful. CPS also faces aging buildings and a growing population of students with special needs. King says balancing a budget means everything is on the table.
"We will prioritize the resources closest to students and work to find savings in areas of the budget that are more removed from students, like Central Office," King said.
Tuesday begins the budget process. Principals have until June 9 to finalize their individual school budgets. CPS will present its full 2027 budget over the summer. The school board must approve a balanced budget by Aug. 29.