CPS's proposed legislative agenda is largely a response to its projected $732.5 million budget deficit for next school year. The focus is less on education policy and more on securing additional state funding support and financial relief.
The big asks
1. More state reimbursement
CPS wants the state to fully fund mandated categorical grants for special education, transportation, and school meals.
- District leaders argue CPS is currently paying for services the state requires but does not adequately reimburse.
2. Relief from EBF repayment
CPS is asking lawmakers to waive or delay repayment of an $87.5 million Evidence-Based Funding overpayment caused by state calculation errors.
- About $55 million remains outstanding.
3. More state investment
CPS is seeking:
- $53 million more annually for early childhood programs.
- Greater state support for teacher pensions, which could be worth up to $660 million annually if Chicago were treated like other Illinois school districts.
- Increased Evidence-Based Funding.
- CPS says it is funded at just 73% of adequacy and would need nearly $1 billion more to reach the state's 90% target.
Revenue watch: CPS is also backing several revenue-related proposals:
- Protecting Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) revenues from state diversions.
- Supporting a "millionaire tax" dedicated to public education.
- Supporting a digital advertising tax, with a portion directed toward K-12 funding.
Reality check: None of these revenue proposals appear likely to generate near-term relief for the FY27 budget.
The lone policy issue: Beyond funding, the most notable policy priority is charter schools.
- CPS plans to continue pursuing additional regulations governing charter contracts and charter school closures.
What isn't here: Notably absent are any proposals related to:
- Academic outcomes
- Efforts to improve the student experience
- Governance reforms
- Measuring the impact of additional funding on student outcomes
Bottom line: The district’s draft agenda reads more like a Springfield funding wish list than a traditional education agenda.
- The central message is clear: CPS is asking the state to provide more funding, reimburse more of the costs it already incurs, and give the district greater financial flexibility as it confronts a significant budget deficit.
What’s next: The Chicago Board of Education is expected to consider and vote on the legislative agenda at its June 25, 2026 meeting.
- If approved, the agenda will guide CPS's advocacy efforts in Springfield as district leaders seek additional funding