On Monday, nearly 200 schools in Chicago participated in walk-ins to demand full funding for public education, highlighting the urgent need for financial support.

These actions were part of a national movement across 20 cities in 17 states, responding to budget shortfalls following the expiration of COVID relief funds.

The ongoing #UnderfundedUnderstaffed tracker underscores the critical staffing shortages affecting schools throughout Chicago.

During a recent CPS Board meeting, CTU members criticized the leadership's lack of commitment to resolving school funding issues and voiced their opposition to school co-locations.

Parents and community members expressed strong opposition to the co-location plan for Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center, emphasizing the need for community input.

Educators from Juarez High School raised concerns about the lack of bilingual support, inadequate facilities, and cuts to arts education.

In her op-ed for the Chicago Tribune, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates discussed the chronic underfunding of Chicago’s public schools and urged state leaders to take action.

Gates also emphasized the need for increased funding for school sports and better support for athletes in upcoming contract negotiations.

The CTU's bargaining team, consisting of over 60 rank-and-file members, is dedicated to securing improvements in CPS through contract negotiations.

The CTU aims for 55 CPS schools to become new Sustainable Community Schools by 2028, totaling 75 SCS schools, with plans for further expansion.

These Sustainable Community Schools provide essential wraparound services and promote equity and justice in education.

Cyndy Lilagan from the CTU's SOPPA subcommittee advocates for equitable access to educational resources for all CPS students by pushing for CPS to join the Illinois Student and Privacy Alliance.