Chicago Public Schools officials reached a tentative four-year contract agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union on April 1, 2025, ending nearly a year of tense negotiations. The deal, which includes teacher raises, class size limits, additional services for vulnerable students, and provisions to bolster academic freedom and culturally responsive curriculum, is hailed as a historic achievement and a progressive win against policies that undermine public education.

Illinois State Representative Curtis Tarver introduced HB 4017, a bill that would place Chicago Public Schools under the control of the Illinois Finance Authority in response to ongoing financial mismanagement, leadership issues, and unresolved contract negotiations with teachers.

A union update details ongoing bargaining efforts against Chicago Public Schools for failing to address racially discriminatory teacher evaluation practices (REACH), inadequate class sizes, and insufficient support staffing. The union emphasizes the need for fair pay and equitable treatment, framing these issues as essential to protecting workers and marginalized students.

A Civic Federation report reveals that Chicago Public Schools is confronting an enormous budget deficit—well north of $750 million—which not only threatens its ability to fund basic operations (including meeting the minimum costs for a new teachers contract) but also raises the possibility of a state financial takeover. Such a takeover could centralize control over local educational policy, augmenting risks of authoritarian oversight.

A Civic Federation analysis warns that if Chicago Public Schools' financial situation does not improve, a worst-case scenario—a state financial takeover similar to the 1979 intervention—may become necessary amid rising cost pressures from ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.

On June 28, 2024, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board affirmed that Chicago Public Schools retaliated against teacher Terra Sinkevicius for her union activities. Multiple disciplinary actions over several years were found to be connected to her participation in union activities, raising significant concerns about unfair labor practices and the protection of workers' rights.

Chicago Public Schools, through an official letter to parents and by backing a lobbying trip by hundreds of teachers, is actively advocating for an additional $1 billion in state funding. The move aims to address significant budget deficits and resource shortfalls impacting students and educators, reflecting a commitment to supporting public education and progressive funding priorities.

Chicago Public Schools announced a three-year plan to invest $76.3M in upgrading and installing security cameras across its schools to deter and resolve crime, a move that raises concerns about increased surveillance and potential authoritarian practices.

Chicago Public Schools has announced a $76.3M, three-year investment to upgrade security cameras and related technology across more than 300 schools. The new state-of-the-art cameras will be connected to the CPS Safety Center, the 911 system, and Chicago police, with the aim of enhancing school safety following recent violent incidents. The initiative also includes adding more social workers and counselors to provide broader student support.