On July 18, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) unveiled its Fiscal Year 2026 individual school budgets, affirming the District’s dedication to prioritizing student and school needs.
The total funding across CPS remains consistent with the prior year; however, individual budgets have been adjusted to address variations in student enrollment, academic programming updates, and the evolving demands of each school community.
Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King emphasized the importance of delivering quality education while being responsible guardians of public funds.
She stated, “The individual school budgets released today reflect our commitment to equity, transparency, and student-centered decision making.”
CPS has engaged actively with school leaders to implement staffing adjustments aimed at providing every student with the necessary support and services according to current circumstances and priorities.
These changes ensure equitable distribution of resources, allowing schools to effectively cater to their student populations.
In a significant shift made in 2024, CPS transitioned from a student-based budgeting model to a needs-based approach, reinforcing their commitment to equity and ensuring all schools receive essential support.
This needs-based model guarantees foundational staffing and resources across all schools while allocating additional resources tailored to specific student requirements and programs, such as services for English Learners and students with disabilities.
This approach is a testament to CPS’s investment in every student and the ongoing effort to tackle systemic inequities within the school system.
Adjustments in individual school budgets stem from shifts in student enrollment, programming needs, and specific needs of each school.
Notably, updates concerning special education staffing are derived from actual needs of students with disabilities, aligning with state law, and are made in collaboration with school leaders to ensure all students receive suitable support and services.
CPS insists on upholding transparency and collaboration throughout this process, striving to provide all students with the high-quality education they deserve.
As CPS moves towards the August deadline for a balanced budget, the challenge of addressing a $734 million budget deficit looms large.
Despite this significant financial hurdle, the District is resolute in safeguarding the funds listed in the released school budgets.
To adhere to legal requirements, CPS must adopt a balanced budget by August 29, putting pressure on Interim Superintendent/CEO King and her leadership team.
In the weeks leading up to this deadline, they are actively collaborating with the Board, labor partners, and elected officials to devise strategies to overcome this fiscal shortfall.
With only seven weeks remaining until the budget must be balanced, the District’s focus intensifies on finalizing a sustainable financial plan to secure the educational needs of its students.
image source from：chicagocrusader
