Members of the Chicago Teachers Union, aligned with the school board, are considering a budget amendment. This change aims to increase the district’s assumed state revenue and counteract school-level cuts. However, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Macquline King, expressed concerns. She stated that the amendment could leave CPS financially unstable later in the year. King emphasized that the district is in a precarious position, advocating for more funding from various government levels, but warned against relying on unrealized state revenue.
The state passed its budget in June, yet CPS did not receive additional funds. District officials reported no signs of new funding on the horizon. The proposed $9.96 billion plan includes layoff of over 700 teachers, department cuts, and a midyear spending freeze. The exact amount the amendment would assume remains unclear, along with where the state might source these funds, given its $2.2 billion deficit.
Despite these issues, CTU continues its efforts with state intervention. On Wednesday, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch assured CTU members he’d advocate for extra CPS funding during the fall veto session, committing his support. However, he offered no details on executing this plan.
Earlier, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates urged the board to reject the budget, claiming it would harm Chicago’s students. A simple majority of the 21-member board can pass CPS’ budget for 2026-27, but a two-thirds vote is needed for an amendment. CTU-aligned members hold a majority, largely due to appointments by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is a former teacher and union organizer.
The district increased assumed revenue from special taxing districts this week, avoiding furloughs through union pressure. CPS last crafted a budget based on unconfirmed state money in 2017, hoping for extra funds from approved legislation. However, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed it, forcing budget revisions, program cancellations, and layoffs. King remembered this period as a time of avoidable instability.
CPS is urging a budget vote today, ahead of the state deadline, partly for securing short-term borrowing to manage cash-flow. Failure to approve might prevent payroll fulfillment in September.
Mayor Johnson appointed Connie Anderson to the school board to fill a vacant seat. Anderson, a paralegal and robotics coach, was endorsed by CTU and will represent District 10B on the Southeast Side. Although appointed ahead of the budget vote, Anderson won’t partake in this decision. Last August, Johnson appointed Angel Velez as a board member a day before the budget vote.
Anderson, a CPS graduates’ parent and real estate tax paralegal, developed three student robotics teams and served on the executive board for Friends of Ogden International School for 13 years. She replaces Olga Bautista, who resigned after receiving a sabbatical award. Mayor Johnson praised Anderson’s commitment to students, educators, and school communities.
Reporter Jeremy Gorner contributed additional insights.