A divided Chicago Board of Education last week approved a nearly $10 billion budget that relies on an additional $150 million in state funding. The spending plan comes after weeks of debate among CPS officials, board members and labor unions over how the district should close a $732 million budget gap.

Chicago Public Schools principals and staff this week will begin training as the district is set to implement its holistic safety plan citywide — more than two years after police officers were removed from district campuses.

It remains unclear where the additional funds would come from. The $55.9 billion spending plan Pritzker signed into law in June, which relies on hundreds of millions of dollars in tax hikes to bring it into balance, leaves little wiggle room.

The Chicago Board of Education on Thursday passed an approximately $10 billion budget after hours of contentious debate, a lengthy recess, sharp questions over revenue assumptions and a last-minute amendment.

CPS CEO Macquline King joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her revised budget and why she thinks board members should pass it. 

With a Thursday vote looming on the next Chicago Public Schools budget, a revised proposal from the district looks to avoid furloughs to close its $732 million deficit, but still leaves 1,601 layoffs on the table — including 759 teachers.

CPS CEO Macquline King unveiled a proposed $9.88 billion budget to close the district’s funding gap. The plan calls for $200 million in TIF funding, the layoff of 760 teachers and 801 support staff, and five unpaid furlough days for CPS employees.

With a vote next week scheduled on Chicago Public Schools’ $9.88 billion budget plan, members of the city’s Board of Education on Monday shared concerns over proposed cuts, a lack of state funding and their voting timeline.

One year of employee discipline data, obtained by WTTW News, reveals more than 700 cases of misbehavior across Chicago Public Schools. Case outcomes ranged from verbal warnings and written reprimands to suspensions and Do Not Rehire designations. Frequently, those banned from returning to work quit during the disciplinary investigation.

District officials on Wednesday outlined their $9.88 billion budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year, as they combat “serious financial challenges” including declining enrollment and revenue and greater student need.

Tuesday marks the first community engagement session as CPS continues working to address its fiscal challenges ahead of an Aug. 29 deadline to pass a balanced budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King defended the school district amid congressional criticism of its support for trans students, the Black Student Success Plan and “ideological agendas.”

There are 51 total candidates who are currently set to appear on the November ballot for the at-large board president position and 20 board seats that are up for grabs, according to Chicago elections officials, after Tuesday marked the end of the candidate filing period.

CPS leaders are citing rising pension payments and operating costs, while arguing the district needs greater support from state and federal leaders. Some policy analysts, meanwhile, say the district is responsible for its own deteriorating finances.

A Republican-led Congressional committee has subpoenaed Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King, compelling her to appear in Washington and testify on the school district’s compliance with federal civil rights and privacy laws.

Members of Chicago’s Board of Education are calling on state lawmakers to step up funding for Chicago Public Schools as the cash-strapped district faces impending staff cuts to fill a $732 million budget gap.