Chicago Public Schools Students Head Back To Class Amid Budget Uncertainty For District

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and interim CPS CEO Macquline King commenced the 2025-26 academic year with celebratory visits to schools, including Courtenay Language Arts Center and Austin College and Career Academy. They promoted the Sustainable Community Schools program, which offers wraparound services to families. King, who took over CPS leadership in June, faces immediate challenges, including a $734 million budget deficit. Her budget proposal has sparked debate, as it does not include a reimbursement to the city for pension payments, raising concerns among school board members. Johnson, who emphasized educational quality, highlighted elements of the new CTU contract, such as smaller class sizes and more staff.

The district's lack of an approved budget marks a significant departure from previous years, where budgets were typically finalized before the school year began. Johnson's concerns about federal funding cuts further complicate the district's financial landscape. As the school year begins, CPS stakeholders are hopeful but wary of the financial hurdles ahead.