In 2026, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is preparing for several significant changes and challenges. The district is in the process of searching for a new CEO while managing a projected $520 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.
The search for a new CPS CEO began last spring. The board was expected to choose from two finalists by the end of 2025, but after finalist names were made public in November by multiple news outlets, including the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ, and Chalkbeat, the process stalled. A board statement from November indicated that the search remains “ongoing.” Whoever is selected will have to address issues such as chronic absenteeism, financial shortfalls, and declining enrollment. This individual will also serve under a fully elected school board starting in January 2027.
Chicago voters are set to elect all 21 members of the school board on November 3, including an at-large president. Previously, only some seats were elected while others were mayoral appointments. Board President Sean Harden has announced he will not run again. Candidates must collect petition signatures beginning February 24 to qualify for the ballot; final candidate lists are due by August 27.
The last election saw major campaign contributions from groups like political action committees connected to the Chicago Teachers Union and Illinois Network of Charter Schools.
CPS continues to face financial uncertainty after handling a $734 million deficit last summer without taking out loans or making direct classroom cuts but instead reducing central office staff and other services. The upcoming year’s $520 million shortfall may force further cuts or prompt efforts to seek more state funding or legislative changes to help with structural deficits.
At the state level, the Illinois State Board of Education has requested a $350 million increase in funding for school districts—a four percent rise consistent with previous years—but some organizations argue this amount falls short amid possible federal cutbacks. About one-third of Illinois districts are considered adequately funded by state standards.
Illinois faces its own budget pressures with a $2.2 billion deficit. Legislative leaders like House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch support proposals such as taxing millionaires to raise revenue; similar measures have backing from groups like the Chicago Teachers Union seeking additional resources for schools.
There is also concern about child care services after an announcement from the Trump administration proposing a freeze on approximately $1 billion in federal assistance affecting low-income families and social service programs in Illinois. According to Governor Pritzker’s office, over 150,000 children attend programs partly funded through federal grants that could be impacted if these funds are withheld. While a federal judge has temporarily blocked this move, advocates warn that losing these funds could significantly reduce available child care providers and leave many families without support.
Some unions and lawmakers advocate expanding state funding through new taxes on corporations and wealthy residents to maintain these programs, but it remains uncertain whether there is broad legislative support for such measures.
“Whoever is hired will face thorny issues like chronic absenteeism, budget problems, and declining enrollment,” according to Chalkbeat’s reporting on ongoing leadership changes within CPS.
