CHICAGO — A new resolution heading to the Chicago Board of Education this week could pave the way for solar panels, heat pumps, and other clean energy upgrades at a dozen city schools — part of a broader effort to create healthier, more sustainable campuses across the district.
The proposed Healthy Green Schools Pilot Program would target at least 12 schools for upgrades by the end of the 2025–26 school year. The goal: invest in energy-efficient projects like rooftop solar and geothermal systems, reduce long-term costs, and improve building conditions — all while advancing Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) sustainability goals.
Tackling a $14 Billion Infrastructure Gap
While the pilot would only impact a fraction of CPS’ more than 500 campuses, the initiative comes as the district faces $14 billion in deferred maintenance needs, according to a 2024 analysis. CPS borrows money annually for capital improvements and spends hundreds of millions repaying those debts — a cycle that consumes about 10% of its annual budget and contributes to the current $529 million structural deficit.
Board member Anusha Thotakura, who introduced the resolution, said the green program aims to optimize CPS’s limited repair funds and secure state and federal clean energy rebates to stretch dollars further.
“This is not just good for our schools and for the health of our kids,” Thotakura said. “It’s also good for the bottom line.”
A Path Toward Cleaner, Healthier Campuses
If passed, the pilot would also create a Healthy Green Schools Fund to collect ongoing rebates and reinvest them into improvements that enhance student health — such as removing lead pipes, fixing water damage, and eliminating asbestos or mold.
CPS is already making progress in green infrastructure:
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More than 100 HVAC upgrades completed or in progress
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Over 700 ComEd rebate projects amounting to $4 million in incentives
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62 buildings LEED-certified
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Plans to add 50 electric school buses using a $20 million federal grant
Involving Students and Local Communities
Students won’t just benefit — they’ll also participate. The resolution calls on CPS to partner with labor unions and school staff to develop green energy curricula and training, allowing students to assist in installations and learn about clean energy jobs.
The program will prioritize schools in historically under-resourced neighborhoods and collaborate with environmental justice organizations to ensure equitable implementation.
Looking Ahead
The board will vote on the pilot resolution Thursday. If successful, CPS will launch the first wave of green projects within the 2025–26 school year, setting the stage for a longer-term transformation of school infrastructure citywide.
What do you think of CPS investing in green infrastructure during a budget crisis? Let us know in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
