CPS Joins School Districts Statewide in Springfield to Demand Increased State Funding for Public Education

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is proud to join students, educators, and families, and school districts from across Illinois in Springfield today to advocate for increased state funding for public education. As part of the statewide coalition “Funding Illinois’ Future,” CPS stands in solidarity with the many statewide voices calling for the State to follow through on its promise to Illinois students.

With rising operational costs, looming deficits, the potential loss of critical federal funds, the need for consistent and increased state support has never been more urgent. Leaders from across the state passed historic legislation in 2017 that made the state education funding formula more equitable but school districts are advocating for the formula to be fully funded.

“Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with school districts across Illinois to make our case loud and clear: our students deserve better,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “CPS remains committed to working with state leaders to find real solutions together — and we won’t stop advocating until every child, in every community, has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

CPS is calling on the state to take the following actions in the upcoming budget:

Increase Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for public education to $550 million annually to meet the goal of full funding by 2027 — a goal that is currently off track.

Allocate $165 million statewide to support student nutrition, special education, and transportation services.

Invest an additional $75 million in early childhood education to support pre-K access in every neighborhood.

Among the nearly 100 CPS students and adults that travelled to Springfield Tuesday was Salvador Alfaro-Fernandez, a senior at Hubbard High School in West Lawn who is headed to Cornell University in the fall.

"Every student possesses amazing potential, but we need more resources to help everyone achieve it," said Alfaro-Fernandez. “At my high school, we have students who are passionate about the trades and have shown interest in becoming mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. But to provide these opportunities, we need additional resources — qualified teachers, necessary equipment, and the facilities for students to learn. Some students at my school would also benefit from more challenging college-level courses, which could give them a head start on their four-year degree, and set them on a path toward a brighter future. No student should have to give up their interest or their dream because they can’t access the right tools."

CPS has seen firsthand what increased investment can do. With pandemic-era federal support, the District achieved sizeable gains in reading for two consecutive years on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Exam given to elementary students, a record 84.1 percent graduation rate, a 70 percent college enrollment rate, and a dramatic increase in students earning college or career credentials while still in high school. More funding would allow CPS to protect and expand these gains — and extend them to every student, in every school.

As part of advocacy day, CPS encouraged families, educators, and community members to contact their elected officials, share their stories, and make their voices heard. Tools and resources are on the District’s website (cps.edu/AdvocacyDay).

“We know what’s possible when our schools are funded fairly,” said Martinez. “Now it’s time to come together — as a city, as a state — to ensure that possibility becomes a reality for every child in Illinois.”