Chicago’s School Crisis Is More Than Just a Budget Problem

A Crisis That Persists Beyond Finances

When he was sworn in as mayor of Chicago last year, Brandon Johnson, a former negotiator for the city’s teachers union, promised to write a new chapter for Chicago public schools. He vowed that the struggling, cash-strapped district would get the resources it needs to provide students with a “world-class education.” That vision for the district — which is 35% Black and 47% Hispanic — hit a major stumbling block earlier this week.

The Resignation of the School Board

On Sunday, all seven members of the Chicago Board of Education, most of whom Johnson appointed last year, resigned at once, an apparent mass protest over Johnson’s handling of Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school district. Their resignations come amid Johnson’s high-profile clashes with the current schools CEO, who is a holdover from the previous administration, and a massive, $1 billion budget hole in the city budget. That includes a $500 million gap in the Chicago Public Schools 2025 budget that Johnson wants to address with a short-term, high-interest loan, a move that the CEO, Pedro Martinez, opposes.

The Conflict Escalates

The situation is so intense that, at a press conference on Monday announcing the replacement school board members, protesters heckled Johnson, and Johnson defiantly sparred with reporters. The heated session came a day after 41 of 50 city aldermen signed a letter criticizing Johnson’s leadership of the school district.

A Problem of Inequity

As Johnson spoke, a handful of protesters — some holding “Fire Brandon” signs — tried to disrupt the press conference, chanting “Not Legit!” The stunning turn of events has put Johnson on the defensive: he ran for the city’s highest office on the strength of his relationship with the teachers union, his experience with advocating for education equity, and his vision to restore schools in the largely underfunded district. And the resignation comes as contract talks between the city and the powerful Chicago Teachers Union — Johnson’s former employer — have stalled. The district has offered 4% raises this year, and between 4% and 5% raises over the next three years, while the union has sought 9% annual raises.

The Root of the Problem

Though he’s facing several problems, Johnson’s biggest headache is the city budget deficit, the result of Chicago’s rising operating expenses, declining population, and falling tax revenue. The budget crisis “is playing out as the city faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, and its population is the lowest it’s been since 1920,” according to Illinois Policy, a nonprofit public-interest magazine. Chicago Public Schools is also facing a major budget deficit of $500 million, which does not include added costs from a new contract Johnson is negotiating with his former coworkers at the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU wants at least $10 billion in new contract demands.

A Call to Action

Despite the challenges, Johnson remains committed to his vision for the district. “Make no mistake about it, I’m going to stand firm and flat footed to ensure our students get what they deserve,” he said. “I was legitimate when I took on the state for other administrations when they were closing down Black schools. I was also legitimate when I went down to Springfield to fight for fully elected school boards.”

Conclusion

The crisis in Chicago’s school system is more than just a budget problem. It is a problem of equity, of access, and of resources. As the district’s leaders navigate the challenges ahead, they must prioritize the needs of the students, the teachers, and the community. Only by working together can they build a brighter future for the city’s children.

FAQs

* What is the current situation with the Chicago Public Schools budget?
The district faces a $500 million budget deficit and a $1 billion budget hole in the city budget.
* What is the dispute between Johnson and the CEO, Pedro Martinez?
Johnson wants to close the deficit with a short-term, high-interest loan, while Martinez opposes this move.
* What are the contract demands from the Chicago Teachers Union?
The union seeks 9% annual raises for the next three years and has offered a proposal for a new contract with the city.
* What is the current mood among city aldermen and the public?
Many are criticizing Johnson’s leadership of the school district, while some are defending his efforts to address the budget crisis.