Chicago Public Schools Overhauls Funding Model Amid Budget Deficit

In a bold move, Chicago Public Schools shifts from student-based to needs-based funding, aiming to address disparities despite facing a $391 million shortfall.

• Chicago Public Schools announces a shift from student-based to needs-based funding, focusing on equity and addressing individual school needs.
• The new funding model will ensure foundational roles and programs at every school, including before and after-school programming and essential staff.
• Schools with additional needs will receive funding for extra teachers, counselors, and support for special education students, based on the CPS Opportunity Index.
• The transition is part of CPS's effort to recover from pandemic-era learning loss, with significant gains in student reading and math scores reported.
• Facing a $391 million budget deficit due to expiring federal COVID relief funds, CPS must identify cuts or additional revenue to support the new funding strategy.

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