Chicago Public Schools begins 2026-2027 school year with budget uncertainty
Monday marked the first day of class for more than 300,000 Chicago Public Schools students, but uncertainty remains about CPS' funding for the 2026-2027 school year.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former teacher, will be out with Chicago Public Schools chief executive officer Dr. Macquline King on Monday morning, helping to kick off the new school year at three schools on the city's West Side.
The mayor and CEO will welcome students at George Leland Elementary School, at 512 S. Lavergne Ave. in the South Austin neighborhood, and Roswell B. Mason Elementary School, at 4217 W. 18th St. in the North Lawndale neighborhood.
They will then share a back-to-school message with students at Madero Middle School, at 3202 W. 28th St. in Little Village.
Meanwhile, Johnson and King are both urging lawmakers to find the funds to keep the school system running.
Last month, the Chicago Board of Education approved a $10 billion budget, which relies on $150 million in state funding coming from Springfield.
But Illinois lawmakers have not approved that $150 million, and earlier this month, district leaders warned the Chicago Board of Education that it will be a "disaster" if Springfield does not cough it up to balance the CPS budget.
Without those funds, the consequences are midyear layoffs, furlough days, and cuts. District leaders also said the funding uncertainty could affect CPS' ability to keep school doors open.
"The State of Illinois only funds our school districts at 25%, comparatively to California that funds Los Angeles and San Francisco at 70%," Mayor Johnson said recently. "We can do better."
Right now, it looks like the Illinois General Assembly will not vote on the issue until the fall veto session in November, which could be too late.
Earlier this month, CPS leaders said they may not be able to secure funding to cover early September payroll.
Violence Interrupters to help students get to school
As students begin the school year, the Violence Interrupters organization is doing their part to keep them safe.
The organization said trained violence prevention specialists will be deployed in the Austin neighborhood on Monday to walk students to school.
Their goal is to engage with students, mediate conflicts, and support families during peak school travel hours.
Violence Interrupters planned to discuss a surge in youth violence at an event at Leamington Avenue and Harrison Street on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, students who take the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace can ride to school on Monday for free. This benefit applies to students from kindergarten through senior year of high school, and it is only on the first day of school.
An accompanying adult on the CTA can also ride free.
After Monday, students can ride on the CTA and Pace for just 75 cents. To get the discount, students must have a Ventra card.
