A number of CPS principals say the new, privately-contracted custodial company isn't up to the job, and their schools aren't being cleaned properly. And principals fear it will only get worse, as Aramark announces custodial layoffs. 

The city is preparing to take applications for firefighters for the first time in almost a decade, but the plan to diversify the department is not sitting well with everyone. We take a look at the policy that gives preference to hiring CPS graduates from both sides of the spectrum.

The Chicago Public School board votes today on the controversial 2015 budget that has been slammed by observers for using a "gimmick" to help close nearly a $1 billion hole.

Earlier this month Chicago Public Schools unveiled its budget for 2015. We analyze the district’s $5.7 billion budget.

CPS officials say they will close a massive budget gap this year with an accounting change that will result in a $650 million windfall. Paris Schutz has more on how that works and reaction from the teacher’s union.

We dive into recent headlines surrounding Chicago Public Schools.

We talk with outgoing Chicago Public Schools inspector general James Sullivan about his 12 years looking for waste and fraud at CPS.

Lindblom Math & Science Academy Principal Alan Mather has been recognized for his transformation of the West Englewood school by the Golden Apple Foundation. We chat with him about the school's turnaround and more. 

We share what you had to say about our conversation with with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

We speak with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times and the overwhelming response he has received from colleagues about the Chicago Public Schools' administration and its treatment of employees.

There may be a painless way to solve pensions without raising property taxes that is sitting right before the mayor's eyes. Paris Schutz breaks it down for us. Read a response from Mayor Emanuel's office. 

The Chicago Teachers Union blasts district plans, but Chicago Public Schools says it has turned around other schools under the nonprofit management firm Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL).

Fifty years ago today, 200,000 Chicagoans boycotted segregationist policies by Chicago Public Schools. Watch a video clip from a new documentary that chronicles the protest and read an article.

Just months after closing 47 Chicago schools, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to build or expand other schools has drawn fresh outrage from teachers and parents. Phil Ponce talks with Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis and Chicago Board of Education Vice President Jesse Ruiz about the issue.

It's the first day of school for most Chicago Public Schools students. Elizabeth Brackett has more on the impact of nearly 50 school closings and the effectiveness of Safe Passage.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett joins us to discuss her Five Year Plan.