Embattled CPS CEO determined to balance budget amid financial woes

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - COVID relief funds for schools expired Monday, and the head of CPS is hoping the state or federal government can rescue the district from a financial cliff.

While the teachers union is calling on CEO Pedro Martinez to come up with a plan for how to make up those billions, Martinez said Monday he’s been reaching out to the state and federal government.

“I don’t mind getting pushed to do more, I think all of us need to do more, but it’s really important though that it’s everybody’s priority, me by myself can’t do it,” Martinez said.

At a book giveaway at Armstrong Elementary in Rogers Park, Martinez said the district and teachers union agree on how to spend the resources, but he wants to protect improvements.

Those include making the biggest reading gains in the country among large urban districts since the pandemic.

“The gains that we’re continuing to make, and [we’re] really showing them the investment in CPS is working,” Martinez said.

Martinez said he plans to discuss potential revenue at a City Council committee hearing Thursday morning.

As for proposals for programming cuts or furloughs, he called them a last resort to offset increased costs in the teachers contract that’s under negotiation.

The founder of Bernie’s Book Bank joined Martinez to hand out its 10 millionth book to students.

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