Chicago Public Schools faces $732 million deficit, cuts 162 jobs

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is confronting a $732 million budget shortfall for the 2026‑27 school year. To begin addressing the gap, the district notified 162 central‑office and citywide employees that their positions are being eliminated, a move expected to save about $18 million – roughly 2.5% of the deficit. The layoffs affect staff in the Talent Office, IT Services, the Department of Principal Quality, the Office of School Counseling and other units.

CPS is also seeking approval of an almost $10 billion budget by July 30. The proposal includes hundreds of teacher and aide cuts, five furlough days in the second half of the school year and a mid‑year spending freeze. Several Chicago Board of Education members, backed by the Chicago Teachers Union, oppose the cuts, calling for additional state funding. Mayor Brandon Johnson has similarly criticized balancing the budget through workforce reductions. If the board approves the plan, CPS CEO will reconsider furloughs should extra funding become available.