Chicago Public Schools Face $1.2B Funding Shortfall

Report highlights funding needs amidst increased migrant enrollment, reduced tax revenue

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CHICAGO – A newly released report has revealed that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) require an additional $1.2 billion to meet adequate funding levels for the current academic year. This figure surpasses last year's projections by over $90 million and slightly exceeds the amount requested by Mayor Johnson from state leaders.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders explained the implications of the data, noting, “Chicago this year, for the second year in a row, is a tier two school district. That means there are districts above them that are in need of more resources.”

Sanders emphasized that despite this classification, the state remains committed to progressively increasing funding for public education. "While we have not yet achieved the optimal level of resource allocation for public education, there is a consensus that more needs to be done. The state is dedicated to continuing its efforts to fund schools adequately and equitably," he said.

CPS officials attribute the increased funding requirement to a surge in migrant students who are learning English for the first time and a decline in local tax revenue. These factors have been integrated into the state's evidence-based funding formula but have not significantly influenced the overall funding needs.

Sanders acknowledged these considerations but maintained that they were insufficient to alter the funding outlook for the upcoming school year. He expressed optimism about the new academic year, despite the financial challenges.