Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the country. Making sure every student, parent and educator has a voice is a tall order — and one that CPS is hoping to fulfill.
The district is working to improve its outcomes after pandemic-induced learning losses, drops in enrollment and aging facilities. In 2024, its graduation rates were on the rise and a new Five Year Strategic Plan is in the works.
Here’s a breakdown on everything parents should know about Chicago Public Schools.
1. Overview of Chicago Public Schools
- Phone number: 773-553-1000
- Number of schools: 634 (includes district-run charter schools, contract and SAFE schools)
- Number of students: 323,251
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 18.5:1 for elementary students and 19.9:1 for high school students
- Operating Expense Per Pupil (OEPP): $25,458
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: With an operating budget of more than $9 billion and roughly 41,000 employees, Chicago Public Schools is one of the largest districts in the country. The school system faces fiscal challenges after COVID relief dollars have dried up, despite a historic increase in funding. Now, the district is enacting a Five Year Strategic Plan with new methods to support students and educators.
2. Black Student Success Plan
The 2024-25 school year will usher in a new Five Year Strategic Plan for the district. One of the priorities of this new target is a Black Student Success Plan.
While the Five Year Plan has not yet been finalized, there are initial recommendations available by the members of the Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Black Student Success Working Group. These recommendations are broken down into three priorities: daily student life, adult capacity and continuous learning (mainly a focus on Black educators), and collaboration between schools and community.
From these three priorities, some of the suggestions include ensuring culturally responsive instruction, wrap-around services like restorative justice and healing-centered practices and incentives and programs for Black educators with the goal of retention.
3. Educational Facilities Master Plan
The Educational Facilities Master Plan is an analysis of the current states of CPS facilities. It goes neighborhood-by-neighborhood to break down enrollment trends, programs and community needs.
The plan details an ambitious overhaul of the facilities where students learn. CPS has 803 buildings with the largest bulk of them built in the 1920s. These buildings require upkeep–this plan includes funding for paint, roof fixes, air conditioning and heating and much more. All upkeep and improvement of buildings would total in the billions.
4. New funding allocation system
A new funding formula is meant to more equitably fund schools. The funding formula will move money into schools that have historically lacked adequate educators and staff. Among the changes are a promise to make sure every school is afforded assistant principals, art teachers, gym teachers and more.
Some educators and advocates have raised concerns over this change, as it may come at the cost of existing jobs in schools where funds will be redistributed. District leaders have said teachers who lose their current positions will be moved to a new job within the district.
5. Elected school board
In 2025 for the first time in Chicago Public Schools’ history, 10 members of a 21 person school board will be elected. In the past, all seven members of the board were appointed by the mayor. In 2027, all 21 members will be elected into their positions.
This change comes as a result of years of advocating for more democratic leadership roles by school and community stakeholders.
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