In a recent meeting, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board discussed the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, which totals $9.9 billion—an increase of nearly $500 million from the previous year. The budget is structured around three main components: an operating budget of $8.4 billion, a capital budget of $611 million, and a debt service budget of $817 million. The increase is largely attributed to enhancements in the district's capital budget aimed at improving school facilities and infrastructure.

CPS Chief Budget Officer Mike Sikowski emphasized the district's commitment to a need-based funding model, shifting away from a student-based budgeting approach. This new model aims to allocate resources based on the specific needs of schools and their student populations, particularly those historically underserved. The board highlighted significant academic gains, noting that CPS ranked first in reading growth among large urban districts from 2022 to 2023, with improvements in both reading and math scores.

The budget also addresses the challenges posed by the expiration of federal relief funding, which has contributed to a projected budget deficit of over $500 million for fiscal year 2026. Board members expressed concerns about the ongoing structural budget deficits, primarily due to inadequate state funding. They reiterated the need for advocacy at all levels of government to secure additional resources for CPS.

In terms of staffing, the budget proposes an increase of 805 positions, including 513 new teachers, primarily to meet the growing needs in special education. The board underscored the importance of maintaining reasonable class sizes and providing adequate support for students with disabilities and English language learners.

The capital budget focuses on critical facility needs, including mechanical system upgrades, ADA accessibility improvements, and technology enhancements. The board's commitment to equity was evident in the prioritization of projects in schools serving higher-need populations.

As the meeting concluded, board members acknowledged the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal partners to ensure the sustainability of CPS's educational initiatives and to address the pressing financial challenges facing the district. The board plans to revisit the budget following negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to funding that supports the district's long-term goals.