Chicago Board of Education approves $9.9B budget, despite pushback

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools approved its $9.9 billion budget on Thursday, but not without some pushback from the Chicago Teachers Union.

Chicago Board of Education members voted unanimously for the multi-billion dollar spending plan for the 2024-25 school year.

“This budget was created using a new model that moves completely away from student-based budgeting and provides positions and resources based largely on student needs,” Pedro Martinez, CPS CEO, said.

Board members also stressed that the adopted plan retained essential resources while adding new ones for students.

“At least $30 million directed to programs and initiatives that prioritize social-emotional learning,” Tanya Woods, BoE member, said.

The budget raises property taxes, bringing in $193 million in revenue. It also addressed a shortfall exceeding $500 million by implementing cuts to the central office, restructuring debt and assuming many staff positions will stay unfilled, which will save the district $220 million.

While the adopted budget may have resolved the district’s deficit, CTU argued that cuts would affect the city’s most vulnerable students, especially those on the South and West sides.

A demonstration was held before the meeting to challenge the budget and job reductions.

Despite the budget’s passing, board members will still need to revise the plan once CPS and the CTU agree on a new contract, which they are negotiating now.

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