CEO of Chicago Public Schools supports new budget formula despite concerns from parents

Chicago Public Schools officials faced criticism and concerns from some school communities regarding the district’s new school funding formula. The formula, which allocates staff and funding based on need rather than raw student enrollment, has sparked debate among educators and parents.

During a Board of Education meeting at Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez defended the new formula as a step towards equitable funding for all schools. He acknowledged that while the change is a positive development, there are still budget concerns at some individual schools.

Advocates for the needs-based formula, including the Chicago Teachers Union, argue that it can provide more support for schools with high needs. However, some educators and parents at selective enrollment and magnet schools have expressed worries about losing staff under the new formula.

Despite some schools reporting an increase in discretionary funding, concerns remain about the impact on staffing levels. The Chicago Teachers Union raised issues about the lack of guarantees for certain positions, such as teacher assistants.

Martinez assured the community that the new formula aims to provide more equity, especially for schools with the highest needs, while still supporting strong schools. However, he acknowledged that there are some outliers that require further attention.

As the district works through budget concerns and finalizes school budgets in late May, the debate over the new funding formula continues. Board president Jianan Shi emphasized the board’s acknowledgment of the uncertainty and uneasiness felt by some communities, promising to assess the impact of staffing changes on schools.