It has become the week's routine. Mayor Johnson's days begin at a school welcoming students on their first day.
For Johnson, he shares the optimism that comes with a new school year with the likelihood of Chicago's Board of Education passing a balanced budget. Currently, board members are at odds with each other.
"It's going to get passed with the majority of the board that understands my vision for public education," Johnson said.
The mayor's vision is a budget that includes borrowing. His appointed school board members support a loan, and most of the elected members do not.
"We have to ensure that we have every single option and every single tool accessible to our CEO," Johnson said.
READ MORE | Board of Education deeply divided over proposed CPS budget with days left to close $734M shortfall
However, the mayor's handpicked interim CPS CEO, Macquline King, also supports a CPS-proposed balanced budget that does include the option of a loan.
CPS says the district cannot afford to take on any more debt. If it does, CPS warns board members it would put the state's largest school district on a downward spiral that would result in future classroom cuts.
The proposed budget closes a $734 million debt without classroom cuts.
"If the state of Illinois just offered up 12% of what they owe, we would have a surplus right now," Johnson said.
Throughout the CPS budget crisis, Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, and the union have repeatedly pointed the finger at the state. Springfield has until 2027 to fully fund every Illinois school district. The mayor and CTU are pushing for $1.6 billion to come now.
"That's not just going to happen and it's not because we shouldn't, we should try it find the money, but we don't have the resources today and we are not going to see resources from federal government either," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.
State Representative Ann Williams, 11 District, says before state lawmakers consider any more money for CPS, the school board must show Springfield it has a solid cohesive plan.
"We look forward to a plan that shows stability fiscal responsibility, and then we can start to have the conversations, longer term conversations about fixing some of the structural inequities we've been dealing with for decades," Rep. Williams said.
READ MORE | $734M Chicago Public Schools budget deficit looms as students return to class
By state law, the CPS budget must be passed by the end of the month. If not, the district can possibly shutdown.
A CPS budget vote is scheduled for next Thursday. From now until then, there are behind-the-scenes negotiations.