All articles tagged with #chicago public schools
Cook County’s medical examiner ruled Linda Brown, a 53-year-old Chicago Public Schools special education teacher, died by suicide after her body was found in Lake Michigan; she had been missing for more than a week, and the case prompted tributes from students, colleagues, and city officials and a coordinated response from CPS.
53-year-old Linda Brown, a special education teacher at Robert Healy Elementary, was found dead in Lake Michigan after going missing Jan. 3. Police are conducting a death investigation with autopsy pending; family and former students remember her as a caring, impactful educator who touched many lives.
The Chicago Board of Education approved the 2025-26 budget without a controversial $200 million loan, marking a shift in internal dynamics and reflecting ongoing debates over funding strategies, including reliance on TIF surplus and potential borrowing, amidst tensions between mayoral appointees and elected members.
Chicago Public Schools is seeking $1.25 billion in tax-anticipation notes due to a cash shortage caused by delayed property tax collections, which have led to a negative cash position and increased reliance on short-term borrowing amid ongoing financial challenges and a declining credit rating.
Nearly 1,500 Chicago Public Schools staff received layoff notices due to enrollment shifts and budget issues, with most expected to find positions elsewhere in the district. This is part of ongoing efforts to address a $734 million deficit, with CPS aiming to balance the budget without further layoffs, though challenges remain.
Chicago Public Schools students express mixed reactions to President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Linda McMahon as Education Secretary, amid concerns over potential deportations and changes to education policy. McMahon, a former wrestling executive, supports school choice and aims to decentralize federal education control, aligning with Trump's vision. This has sparked debate among students and educators, particularly regarding the impact on immigrant families and public school funding. The Chicago Teachers Union faces challenges in contract negotiations, emphasizing the need to protect community schools and support for vulnerable students.
At least 150 Chicago Public Schools will lose staff positions next school year despite a new funding formula aimed at equitable resource distribution. The district faces a $391 million deficit and the end of federal COVID relief funds. While some schools will gain staff, others, particularly those with declining enrollment, will see cuts. CPS guarantees jobs elsewhere for affected teachers and aims to support high-needs schools with foundational resources. The new budget formula has received mixed reactions from school leaders.
The Chicago Teachers Union has delivered a list of demands to Chicago Public Schools as contract negotiations begin, aiming to transform the school system by including affordable housing, dual language programs, fully funded special education services, and more. Despite the district facing a $391 million deficit and COVID funds drying up, the union is pushing for these changes, while CPS CEO Pedro Martinez is hopeful for additional state funding. With a CTU-friendly mayor, the negotiations are not expected to lead to a strike, but the city's response to the demands remains uncertain.
Two Chicago Public Schools students were among the 12 reported cases of measles in the city, prompting health and school officials to take action. CPS is working closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health to respond to the cases and ensure the safety of students and staff. The outbreak has prompted a reminder for families and staff to check their vaccination status and access immunization clinics if needed. The majority of Chicago residents are protected from measles by the MMR vaccine, and efforts are being made to ensure access to vaccinations for students. Symptoms of measles include rash, fever, cough, and runny nose, and the virus is transmitted through direct contact or airborne spread.
A student at Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy in Chicago has been confirmed to have measles, following several other reported cases in the city. Chicago Public Schools is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to respond to unvaccinated students and has provided resources for vaccinations. The city has also seen measles cases in a shelter for asylum seekers, prompting a 21-day quarantine and a widespread vaccination outreach effort. The two-dose measles vaccine is required for all students unless a religious exemption is submitted, and families needing assistance can call the Healthy CPS Hotline.
Chicago Public Schools students from various high schools walked out in support of a Gaza cease-fire resolution to be debated by the City Council, with the mayor expressing support for the student walkout. The students aimed to advocate for peace and humanity, despite facing online attacks and retribution. While some students reported receiving negative feedback, most felt safe and expected peaceful interactions among classmates. The walkouts also aimed to educate others about the ongoing conflict and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools students walked out of class to protest the Israel-Hamas war and demand a cease-fire in Gaza. The students gathered outside their schools, marched, and chanted, with some proceeding to City Hall to protest and blocking traffic at one point. The walkouts come ahead of a Chicago City Council vote on a resolution demanding a Gaza cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The protests have drawn criticism from the Anti-Defamation League for alleged antisemitism, while CPS CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized the district's commitment to student participation in civic life while condemning harassment and discrimination.
Chicago Public Schools have canceled all classes and after-school activities for Tuesday due to extreme cold, with wind chills expected to reach 20-to-30 degrees below zero. Remote learning will not take place, and the decision was made based on student safety and comfort, as well as concerns about transportation, heating system failures, and power outages. Officials anticipate that schools will reopen on Wednesday.
Chicago Public Schools have announced the cancellation of classes for Tuesday due to dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chill values as low as 35 degrees below zero possible through mid-week. The district is closely monitoring the weather and will communicate with staff and families regarding classes being in session on Tuesday. Factors such as air temperature, wind chill, snow and ice on the ground, transportation safety, and building accessibility are considered when deciding whether to cancel classes, with a focus on the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Several Chicago-area schools have announced closures and snow days as the first major winter snowstorm hits the region. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) sent a message to families and staff outlining its inclement weather policies, emphasizing efforts to keep classes in session and communication methods for closures. CPS encourages families to check its website for weather-related updates and assures that individual schools will directly communicate any weather-related issues.