As the new academic year begins, Chicago Public Schools have reinstated over 300 full-time employees who were laid off earlier this summer. Deputy Chief Talent Officer Jerry Taylor announced that nearly half of these rehires are returning to their original positions as per the requests of their principals. This decision was revealed during a virtual budget update on Tuesday. Despite the district’s efforts, its revised $10.1 billion budget cannot restore all 700 positions cut to address a $732 million deficit.
While it remains uncertain how many additional teaching roles will be filled, CPS officials are committed to allocating staff to positions identified as essential by school principals. However, district authorities disclosed that the $100 million in state funds designated in the budget is insufficient to fully restore lost jobs.
District leadership highlighted a reduction in the teacher vacancy rate to 1.6% for the 2026-27 school year, an improvement from the previous rate of 2.2%. The prior year saw a rate of 2.5%. Teaching vacancies for special education and bilingual staff have also decreased, both now at 1.8% for the 2026-27 school term, compared to earlier rates of 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively.
CEO Macquiline King emphasized the importance of filling these vacancies with qualified staff. King reiterated the district’s progress while admitting challenges remain, particularly on Chicago’s south and west sides. “These aren’t empty classrooms; children are in these classrooms, and it’s crucial that we hire staff to fill those vacancies city-wide,” King stated.
The district continues to face financial instability. CPS receives only 70% funding according to the state’s formula. To urge legislative action, the school board approved an amended budget in July, citing unconfirmed state funds amounting to $150 million. This budget revision requires restoring positions previously cut, with warnings of midyear cuts if funds don’t materialize.
After meeting with lawmakers in Springfield recently, King described the funding negotiations as ongoing. “If the additional funding doesn’t come through, we will confront disruptive midyear classroom cuts, though protecting classrooms remains our priority,” King noted. The district aims to secure comprehensive funding while advocating for increased state support. King assured continued updates on budget performance as well.