First day catch up for Chicago Public Schools
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Illustration: Rebecca Zisser / Axios
CPS kicks off the 2025-26 academic year Monday, and if you haven't followed school news since the last time you strapped a backpack to your kid, we're here to catch you up.
The big picture: A $734 million deficit has forced the district to make some big cuts — though largely not in the classroom — as officials hammer out a budget due for a final vote on Aug. 28.
- Here's some of the biggest news since last school year:
A new board: This is the first full school year for a hybrid CPS board with 10 elected members and 11 appointed by the mayor under interim CEO Macquline King. She could be replaced as soon as next month.
- Some Johnson-appointed board members are already criticizing King's refusal to take out a $200 million loan in her budget plan, which faces public hearings Tuesday.
Custodial sweep: CPS ended several private custodial contracts. The move eliminates about 1,700 positions, leaving 2,100 janitors and a few other contracts.
- The changes begin Sept. 30.
Cross at your own peril: CPS cut 15% of crossing guards who help facilitate busy pick up and drop off times at intersections. The district also eliminated a program offering crossing guards to city Catholic schools.
- The union says about 100 positions were eliminated.
Safe passage: The district reduced work hours for "Safe Passage" employees who walk with kids to and from schools in certain areas to boost safety. They will be available for 30 fewer minutes in the morning and afternoon.
- Currently, 191 schools offer safe passage routes.
Special education revamp: CPS says an overhaul of its special education department is about shuffling central office assignments, not about cutting costs and impacting classrooms and teachers.
- Yes, but: Special education advocates are concerned.
- Last year, CPS served almost 54,000 students with disabilities.
Kids keep their phones: Legislation that could have required all students to lock up their phones during the school day failed in Springfield due to concerns about liability and enforcement.
- Yes, but: Some CPS charters and suburban districts have enacted the policy with some positive results.
What we're watching: Student enrollment numbers, which will be released after the first few weeks of school.