Opinion
By Angel Gutierrez, MPA
Chicago Public Schools stands at a crossroads, and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King’s proposed FY26 budget charts the right path forward—for our students, our families, and the long-term fiscal health of our district. This is a budget rooted in responsibility, equity, and vision. It protects school budgets today while laying the groundwork for a stronger financial future tomorrow.
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| Angel Gutierrez, MPA |
For too long, CPS has carried the heavy weight of structural deficits and the costly cycle of borrowing. Superintendent King’s plan breaks with that unsustainable pattern. Instead of kicking the can down the road, this budget takes the courageous step of beginning to reduce projected deficits for FY27 through FY30- by a total of $1.9 billion over these four years. By doing so, it provides schools, educators, and families with the stability they deserve, and ensures that future dollars go directly into classrooms rather than into paying for yesterday’s debt.
Most importantly, this plan puts students first. It preserves critical school budgets, protecting teaching positions, classroom resources, and essential support services. At a time when many school systems are being forced to slash budgets, CPS is making a clear statement: our children’s education is not negotiable. By shielding schools from cuts, Superintendent King ensures that students in every neighborhood continue to have access to high-quality instruction, extracurricular opportunities, and the support they need to thrive.
Equally important, the FY26 budget avoids new borrowing. This is not just a financial decision, it is a moral one. Borrowing more would saddle future generations of students with obligations that undermine their educational opportunities. The district is still paying $200 million a year from previous borrowing to meet operational needs almost 10 years ago. By holding the line against new debt, CPS is choosing discipline over short-term fixes, and prioritizing investments in kids over Wall Street fees and interest payments.
This budget also begins to restore public trust. Families and taxpayers can see a clear commitment to transparency and accountability, as the plan aligns resources with classroom priorities while carefully managing the district’s fiscal obligations. It acknowledges the real challenges ahead yet demonstrates that thoughtful leadership can balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s realities.
In a time of uncertainty, Superintendent King’s FY26 budget provides something we desperately need: hope grounded in responsibility. It reminds us of that fiscal stability and educational excellence are not competing priorities, they are inseparable. By protecting school budgets, avoiding new borrowing, and reducing future deficits, this plan keeps our promise to students today while building a stronger CPS for generations to come.
Angel Gutierrez, MPA, serves as the Elected-Member, Chicago Board of Education, District 8A, representing Chicago's Southwest Side neighborhoods—including Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Ashburn, West Elsdon, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, and Marquette Park—on the Chicago Board of Education, advocating for parents, students and teachers.
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