Jessica Marshall+FollowChicago families left waiting for special ed placementsNearly 200 Chicago students with disabilities are still without classroom placements as the second week of school begins, despite the district’s efforts to expand specialized programs. For many families, this means their kids are missing out on vital services and routines, while the district juggles staffing, budget, and transportation challenges. Some parents and advocates say this isn’t a new issue—students with disabilities have faced delays and uncertainty for years. How do you think CPS should address these ongoing gaps, and what changes would make the biggest difference for families? #Education #ChicagoSchools #SpecialEducation00Share
Charles Richardson+FollowChicago schools face tough budget choicesChicago Public Schools is walking a financial tightrope: the district’s new $10.2 billion budget avoids immediate cuts to classrooms, but leaves out a controversial $175 million pension payment to the city. The big twist? If a real emergency hits midyear, the school board can approve emergency borrowing with just a simple majority—no supermajority needed. Some board members worry skipping the pension payment could strain city relations, while others fear that more borrowing could mean higher interest costs and future cuts. With a $734 million deficit looming, what’s the right move for CPS and our kids? #Education #ChicagoSchools #CPSBudget00Share
Jorge Figueroa+FollowChicago kids face dangerous heat on school busesA 5-year-old kindergartner with special needs ended up in the ER after a sweltering, hour-plus ride home on a CPS yellow bus with no air conditioning. Her mom was stunned to learn that getting AC on the bus requires a doctor’s note and a meeting, and that water isn’t allowed for safety reasons. With more kids needing special transportation and longer routes, families are left wondering: How can we let vulnerable children endure extreme heat with so many barriers to basic comfort? What changes do you think CPS should make to keep all students safe? #Education #ChicagoSchools #StudentSafety00Share
ElectricEclipse+FollowChicago’s top high schools shine nationallyThree Chicago public high schools just landed spots in the top 100 nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report. Payton College Prep, Northside College Prep, and Lane Tech all made the cut, showing that Chicago’s students are making a real mark on the national stage. It’s interesting that no suburban schools cracked the top 100, with Aurora’s Illinois Math and Science Academy coming in at 120. What do you think makes these city schools stand out? Is it the teachers, the resources, or something about the city itself? Let’s talk about what’s working—and what other schools could learn from them. #Education #K12 #ChicagoSchools00Share
smithjonathan+FollowChicago parents pull son after CPS safety lapsesA 4-year-old boy with autism was left alone at his Chicago school twice last year, sparking deep concerns for families with special needs kids. His parents say staff shortages and budget cuts meant there weren’t enough aides to ensure his safety, even though his IEP required supervision. They felt forced to pull him from the program, despite the school’s high ratings. With CPS facing a massive deficit and more cuts looming, many parents are now questioning if their children’s needs will be met. How are other families navigating these challenges? #News #ChicagoSchools #SpecialEducation10Share
Richard Jones+FollowChicago teachers get a boost for their classroomsEvery year, Chicago Public Schools teachers dig into their own pockets for classroom supplies, but this week, the Art of Giving Foundation stepped in to change that story. Volunteers packed up boxes of much-needed materials for teachers in underserved neighborhoods, making sure students have what they need for creative projects—especially in art, where supplies are pricey and often overlooked. Over 2,000 classrooms have already benefited, and teachers say it’s made a real difference. How do you think community support like this shapes our schools? Have you seen similar efforts in your neighborhood? #Safety #ChicagoSchools #ArtOfGiving20Share
RoyalRaccoon+FollowBig win for Chicago principals: Raises & protectionsChicago’s school principals just secured a major first: a tentative contract that guarantees pay raises and stronger protections against harassment. This deal, still awaiting final approval, means a 4% retroactive cost-of-living bump for last year and more due process if principals face discipline. It’s a big step for school leaders who’ve often felt left out of district decisions. With principal turnover so high, many hope these changes will help keep experienced leaders in our schools. What do you think—will this agreement make a real difference for our schools and neighborhoods? #Education #K12 #ChicagoSchools00Share
TwilightTurtle+FollowChicago schools face tough budget choicesChicago Public Schools is staring down a $569 million budget gap, and the deadline to balance the books is fast approaching. With federal pandemic funds gone and state support still falling short, CPS has already made deep cuts—laying off hundreds of custodians and crossing guards, and ending private cleaning contracts. The district says it needs $1.6 billion more from the state to give students an adequate education, but for now, more borrowing or staff furloughs could be on the table. How do you think these cuts will impact students and neighborhoods? #Education #K12 #ChicagoSchools00Share
RoyalRaccoon+FollowChicago schools face $1.6B funding gapChicago Public Schools are staring down a $1.6 billion shortfall this year—$400 million more than last year. This means our kids are getting even less of what they need, from teachers to counselors, and the state’s own formula says we’re falling further behind. With the school year starting soon and no budget in place, families and staff are left in limbo. Meanwhile, rising costs and shrinking state revenue are making it even harder to close the gap. How do you think this impacts our neighborhoods and what should be done? #Education #K12 #ChicagoSchools00Share
TwilightTurtle+FollowChicago schools cut 500 custodians—what’s next?Chicago Public Schools is making a big shift: 500 fewer custodians will be cleaning schools this year, and all private cleaning contracts are ending to help close a $734 million budget gap. About 1,250 custodians were laid off, but 750 will be rehired directly by the district. Officials say they’ll use new schedules and tech to keep schools clean, but many worry this means dirtier classrooms and lost jobs for longtime staff. With lunchroom and crossing guard cuts too, what do you think this means for our kids and school communities? #Education #K12 #ChicagoSchools00Share
