Chicago schools start amid a heatwave,(CPS CEO ) balancing improved reading scores with budget challenges and increased needs.
Classes are starting for around 328,000 students during a heatwave. Reading scores are back to where they were before the pandemic, but federal funding for extra help is about to end.
On Monday, the first day of school was full of emotions and activity. Kids reunited with friends and parents said goodbye with a mix of nervousness and relief, telling their children to have fun and stay safe. Teachers greeted their students with hugs as Chicago Public Schools started the new school year.
Chicago Public Schools began the year during a heatwave, with some of the hottest days expected. School leaders said they are working to improve academic achievement despite budget challenges and growing student needs.
Kassandra Varela walked her children to McAuliffe Elementary from their home in the Hermosa neighborhood. She was happy to see them back in their routine and said, “It’s always different,” but this year they were excited rather than scared.
Parents who had sent their kids to school before were generally ready for the start of classes. Varela mentioned, “No free time for me,” as she works from home.
Laila Fernandez, starting first grade at McAuliffe, felt both nervous and excited and hoped her new teacher would be nice. Standing in line, she saw kindergartners crying and offered this advice: “I would just tell them it is going to be OK.”
The school was also the first stop on the first-day-of-school tour by Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. There were reports that the mayor might dismiss Martinez, which raised questions about whether they would visit schools together.
Chicago’s First Day of School: Mayor Johnson and CPS CEO Martinez Kick Off New Year Amid Budget Struggles
The two men didn’t interact much, but Martinez told Johnson that there’s never been better teamwork between City Hall, the teachers’ union, and the school district. He said, “We all believe our schools should be fully funded and resourced,” but admitted that this isn’t currently the case, which creates tension.
Martinez is ready to argue to state lawmakers that CPS needs more money. His goal is to support the school district throughout the school year. “I’m a CPS kid,” he said, mentioning how past teachers helped him succeed. “I really believe in this district, and I’m proud of our staff.”
Mayor Johnson greeted students outside McAuliffe, saying only Christmas Eve is more exciting than the first day of school. He promised that academic achievement would improve this year. Martinez expressed confidence that this will be the best school year yet.
At his next stop, outside Chalmers STEAM Elementary, Johnson reassured parents by saying, “You’re not alone” and encouraged them to support their kids and ask for help when needed.
Johnson asked the kids if they were ready for the school year, getting enthusiastic “Yes!” responses. Then he asked parents the same question, with even louder “Yes!” answers.
Johnson and Martinez rang bells at Chalmers to start the school year. The mayor concluded by asking everyone to give CEO Pedro Martinez a round of applause.
Chicago Schools Celebrate First Day with Joyful Events Amid Budget Challenges and Increased Needs
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates joined the celebration at Poe Classical School in West Pullman, where balloons and a DJ welcomed students back.
Principal Eric Dockery, who called the first day his favorite, announced each homeroom teacher over the microphone, like a sports lineup. He and the school’s mascot, Raven, gave high-fives to every student entering the building, with “It’s Time for the Percolator” playing on the loudspeakers.
Davis Gates said the event was joyful, highlighting the community spirit among the staff and faculty. She noted that this celebration reflects the union’s goals from contract proposals over the years, saying, “It feels good to be here.”
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has expressed concerns about layoffs of teacher assistants due to the district’s budget issues. Despite this, CPS human resources chief Ben Felton stated that the overall staffing is up. There are 600 more teachers than last year, although there are fewer teacher assistant positions. The district also has more paraprofessionals, including special education assistants, and additional art teachers. About half of the new teachers are Black or Hispanic.
Reading proficiency is improving, with more students meeting standards compared to before the pandemic, according to preliminary data. However, math proficiency has been slower to improve and remains below pre-pandemic levels. High school test scores have not been detailed, but graduation rates are rising and now stand at 83%.
Martinez attributes improvements to $2.8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money, which funded extra teachers, tutors, and summer and after-school programs. CPS now has 2,500 more teachers than before the pandemic.
However, this stability faces challenges as the federal relief money runs out. The district had to manage a $505 million deficit by cutting costs, primarily in central office operations, rather than in classrooms. Support for high-poverty schools and after-school programs has been reduced.
Enrollment of high-needs students is increasing, with nearly 8,900 new immigrants joining CPS over the past two years. About 25% of CPS students are learning English, up from less than 20% in 2019-2020. Many newcomers are unhoused and need extra support. The percentage of special education students has risen to about 16%, and next year CPS plans to spend $1.4 billion on special education, an increase of about $20 million from the previous year.