Chicago Public Schools staff briefed the Agenda Review Committee on a range of grants, contracts and capital items Wednesday, including a five-year federal magnet grant worth $15,000,000 and several renewal or new procurement requests that the board will consider at its Jan. 30 regular meeting.

Magnet grant: Preston Lewis of the Office of Teaching and Learning said CPS was awarded a five-year, $15,000,000 Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant for Avalon Park, Bronson, Kipling and Logan Square to expand magnet programming. Lewis said the grant award required a board resolution of support within 90 days of award; staff presented the background and noted a supporting letter from Mayor Johnson.

Safety training contract: The Office of Safety and Security recommended a first renewal with QBS (Safety Care) for district-wide de-escalation and physical-restraint training to meet state requirements and ISBE corrective-action work. Director Kylie Kosmachek described the curriculum as “a research based curriculum that is culturally responsive” and said the renewal would allow required initial training and recertification. Staff presented a multi-year spend profile and said the renewal is required to maintain compliance with corrective action ordered by ISBE.

Technology contracts: The district recommended two information-technology items. Facilities staff sought authorization of an agreement with CDW Government LLC to provide audio-visual and interactive whiteboard equipment (board authority requested up to $39,000,000 across three years as a category award). Separately, the Identity and Access Management team requested a short-term extension with Carahsoft (RapidIdentity) through Jan. 31, 2026, at a not-to-exceed $1,200,000 to preserve single-sign-on, rostering and other integrations while the district issues a competitive RFP.

Furniture and lease items: Capital-planning staff recommended final renewals for three furniture contracts (multiple vendors) to preserve procurement access for schools. The combined board authority requested across the furniture pools was presented at approximately $14,750,000. Staff also recommended exercising a two-year renewal option for a lease at 4628–36 S. Kedzie Ave. to continue hosting Columbia Explorers Pre-K (space is roughly 5,000 square feet); gross rent would increase by about 3% to $155,169 annually.

Staff noted that many of these board reports require formal board authority or votes at the Jan. 30 meeting; the Jan. 15 session served as an informational review and opportunity for board members to ask questions and offer comments before votes are scheduled.