Back-to-School and Budget Update

Dear CPS Families,

We hope this message finds you refreshed and enjoying the last stretch of summer!  As we look ahead to the start of a new school year, we are excited to welcome our students back to our classrooms and schools.

We also recognize that there is uncertainty as we prepare to begin the year without an approved budget. Please know that throughout this process, our students and families remain at the center of our decisions. Our teams have been working diligently to provide as much consistency and stability as possible for both students and staff.

Our priority is to begin the year with teachers, courses, and schedules that can remain in place throughout the school year, minimizing disruptions once students return. Because of the continued budget uncertainty, our middle and high school teams have developed and revised numerous scheduling scenarios to prepare for the different possible budget outcomes. We know students and families are eager to receive their schedules, and we appreciate your patience as we work to get them to you as soon as possible.

Budget Update

Many members of our community attended or watched last night's Board of Finance meeting. The Board of Finance voted to move forward with a $577,010 reduction to the Board of Education budget. At this time, we expect the next referendum to be scheduled for September 1.
The proposed reductions necessary to meet the $577,010 reduction will be presented to the full Board of Education on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the WJJMS Black Box Theater and online.

In the meantime, we will continue to carefully examine the budget for efficiencies and other potential savings that may help offset proposed reductions and preserve opportunities for our students.

This has been an incredibly difficult and lengthy budget season for our entire community. However, we are determined not to let the uncertainty surrounding the budget take away from the excitement and joy that come with the beginning of a new school year. Our students deserve to walk through our doors feeling welcomed, supported, and excited about the year ahead, and that remains our focus.

Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support of our schools. We are incredibly grateful for our CPS community and look forward to welcoming our students back very soon!