Chicago Public Schools parents and community members sounded off on Monday, three days after the district announced more than 1,400 layoffs, including teachers, classroom assistants and security officers.
The first of five community listening sessions took place at Dyett High School, allowing parents a chance to provide input on the budgetary process following layoffs.
The district’s chief budget officer painted a grim picture of where Chicago schools stand.
“We are facing a budget deficit of $734 million for the 2025-2026 budget. In plainest terms, we are $734 million short of of potential expenses next year,” said Michael Sitkowski, CPS chief budget officer.
Feedback from the roundtable discussions is expected to help district officials make major budgetary decisions.
“For us to pass a balanced budget, this means we need to identify $734 million of additional resources or cost reductions,” he said.
So, those in attendance got to work. Parents, teachers, and even students, took a serious look at their biggest concerns.
“My students didn’t have any preps,” one teacher said. “No art, library. Physical education. I’ve become a general and a specials teacher.”
“Even me as a student… This is the problem in the community, and it’s almost like it’s them throwing it on us,” a student explained. “And what are our solutions?”
CPS offered a budget overview, explaining that while there is some state and federal funding, most is from taxpayers in Chicago.
“I’m worried how will CPS and city supplement those funds,” parent LaMonica McKinney said. “It will take away from after-school programs, community school partnerships…”
“My 9-year-old has a 504 plan as well as an IEP, so I feel we need more seekers paraprofessionals for children that need one-on-one attention,” said Lena Mitchell, a parent of two CPS students.
According to the district, federal funding is at risk.
On the local side, they’re limited to raising revenue, have a junk rating and a backlog of necessary maintenance in schools.
“We are over $600 million short of the state’s goal of having every district at 90% funding levels,” McKinney said.
Over the next few weeks, staff will review the feedback to inform the community about final budgetary decisions. They plan to present the budget on Thursday, Aug. 28.
“I’m asking board members and district, when are you going to Springfield to get that money?” one teacher said.