CPS 2025-26 Budget Update

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) presented a budget this week that does not include any short-term borrowing. Furthermore, the budget does not make the MEABF payment unless CPS gets enough new city and/or state funding to make the payment.

Kids First Chicago Concerns:

• The City is demanding that CPS cover a $175 million payment for the Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (MEABF), which covers some CPS non-teaching staff and other city employees. However, funding this pension is the City’s responsibility—not CPS’s.

• City Hall has suggested that CPS borrow to cover the cost of the MEABF payment this year. Using debt to cover operating costs poses a risk as it deepens the existing debt and the deficit, limiting future options for the district.
• Currently, CPS is still paying nearly $200 million in annual interest payments on short-term borrowing from the 2016–2018 crisis, with payments continuing until 2048.

CPS Budget Cutting Measures So Far:

• Cuts to 500 custodial and maintenance staff. With fewer staff, cleaning schedules will change and non-urgent repairs may take longer.

• Cuts to 250 school lunchroom workers. Staffing cuts mean menus may be simpler, with fewer hot meals or cold meals on some days. Breakfast and lunch will still be free for all students, but after-school meals will change from hot dinners to packaged snacks.

• Some CPS school start and end times will change. This is so buses can serve more routes. Families whose times are changing should already have been contacted.

• Cuts to 100 crossing guards and some Safe Passage workers. These programs will still be available at all schools, but there may be fewer staff or adjusted hours. Schools that are affected will get specific updates.

• There will be fewer student vaccines and physicals at school, but CPS is partnering with health centers to help families find care.

• Central office staff cuts.