Understanding the CPS FY2027 Budget: Priorities, Tradeoffs, and What Comes Next

Co-Hosted by Civic Federation and Kids First Chicago

As Chicago Public Schools works to finalize its FY2027 budget, difficult financial decisions will shape the year ahead for students, families, educators, and schools. This webinar will bring together leaders from across Chicago's education community to unpack the district's fiscal outlook, explain the key budget issues, and discuss what the final budget could mean for communities across the city.

The program will begin with a brief presentation by Civic Federation staff providing a high-level overview of the proposed FY2027 CPS budget, including the district's fiscal outlook, revenue estimates, expenditures, and key priorities.

The presentation will be followed by a moderated panel discussion.

Presenter
Danny Vesecky, Policy & Research Associate, Civic Federation

Moderator
Daniel Anello, Chief Executive Officer, Kids First Chicago

Panelists

• Heather Wendell, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Education Alliance; former Chief Budget Officer, Chicago Public Schools
• Claiborne Wade, Co-Chair, Austin Community Action Council, and chairman, Kids First Chicago’s Equitable Funding Task Force
• Nicole Upton, Executive Director, Ingenuity