Chicago Public Schools to cut staff and impose furloughs to close $732 million deficit

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) faces a $732 million budget shortfall for the 2026‑27 school year. To address the gap, the district announced plans to lay off 1,723 employees – including 760 teachers, 801 teacher aides and classroom assistants, and 162 central‑office staff – and to impose five unpaid furlough days for all non‑essential staff. The furloughs are projected to save about $85 million, roughly a $2,300 (2.3 %) reduction in an average teacher’s salary. A mid‑year spending freeze would also be enacted, contingent on the district receiving additional funding from the city, county or state.

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and its president Stacy Davis Gates called the proposal “dead on arrival,” urging Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide more funding. Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the appeal for state assistance. Community leaders highlighted concerns that the cuts could disproportionately affect Black students, who comprise 34 % of CPS enrollment, because the layoffs may reduce staff in schools serving high‑need, predominantly Black neighborhoods. CPS has not yet released a racial analysis of the layoffs. The board is scheduled to vote on the spending plan on July 30.