Chicago Public Schools Unveil Preliminary Budget with $529M Shortfall

Chicago Public Schools Unveil Preliminary Budget with $529M Shortfall

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has released its preliminary budget for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, outlining the district's financial plans as it navigates ongoing challenges in funding, enrollment, and academic recovery.

According to CPS officials, the proposed budget focuses on sustaining essential classroom services while addressing pandemic-related learning loss and supporting student well-being. The district also aims to maintain investments in school safety, mental health resources, and career and technical education programs.

While the preliminary budget maintains funding levels in key areas, CPS faces growing financial pressures due to declining enrollment and reduced federal pandemic relief funds. District leaders acknowledge that future years may require difficult choices unless additional state or local revenue sources are secured.

CPS CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized the district's commitment to transparency, stating that community input will play a vital role in refining the budget. Public hearings are scheduled in the coming weeks, giving stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback before the budget is finalized later this summer.

The CPS budget announcement comes amid broader discussions about educational equity, school funding reforms, and the long-term financial health of the nation’s third-largest school district.

Source:

Chicago Tribune

CPS faces $529 million shortfall as school budgets roll out