Proposed CPS Budget Keeps Resources, Reduces Deficit

Chicago School Board Elected Member Angel GutierrezChicago Public Schools (CPS) stands at a crossroads, and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King’s proposed 2026 fiscal year budget charts the right path forward — for our students, our families and the long-term fiscal health of our district. This is a budget rooted in responsibility, equity and vision. It protects school budgets today while laying the groundwork for a stronger financial future tomorrow.

For too long, CPS has carried the heavy weight of structural deficits and the costly cycle of borrowing. Superintendent King’s plan breaks with that unsustainable pattern. Instead of kicking the can down the road, this budget takes the courageous step of beginning to reduce projected deficits for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 by a total of $1.9 billion over these four years.

By doing so, the budget provides schools, educators, and families with the stability they deserve, and ensures that future dollars go directly into classrooms rather than into paying for yesterday’s debt.

Students First

Across the school district, this plan puts students first. It preserves critical school budgets, protecting teaching positions, classroom resources and essential support services. At a time when many school systems are being forced to slash budgets, CPS is making a clear statement: Our children’s education is not negotiable.

By shielding schools from cuts, Superintendent King ensures that students in every neighborhood continue to have access to high-quality instruction, extracurricular opportunities and the support they need to thrive. Here in McKinley Park, this means staff positions and funding don’t get cut at every neighborhood school.

Disastrous Debt

Equally important, the 2026 fiscal year budget avoids new borrowing. This is not just a financial decision: It is a moral one. Borrowing more would saddle future generations of students with obligations that undermine their educational opportunities.

Current CPS debt obligations are disastrous: The district is still paying $200 million a year from previous borrowing to meet operational needs almost 10 years ago. By holding the line against new debt, CPS is choosing discipline over short-term fixes, and prioritizing investments in kids over Wall Street fees and interest payments.

Cuts To McKinley Park Schools

Should this budget not pass as currently proposed, it would cost three schools in McKinley Park — Everett Elementary, Evergreen Academy Middle School and Greene Elementary — each a staff position and $180,000 in discretionary funds that schools rely on to pay for unexpected expenses that come up each year.

This budget also begins to restore public trust. Families and taxpayers can see a clear commitment to transparency and accountability, as the plan aligns resources with classroom priorities while carefully managing the district’s fiscal obligations. It acknowledges the real challenges ahead yet demonstrates that thoughtful leadership can balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s realities.

Hope and Responsibility

In a time of uncertainty, Superintendent King’s 2026 fiscal year budget provides something we desperately need: hope grounded in responsibility. It reminds us of that fiscal stability and educational excellence are not competing priorities, they are inseparable.

By protecting school budgets, avoiding new borrowing, and reducing future deficits, this plan keeps our promise to students today while building a stronger CPS for generations to come.

I hope my fellow Board members will join me in approving this budget.

— Angel Gutierrez, MPA
Elected Member of District 8A on the Chicago Board of Education, representing Southwest Side Chicago neighborhoods